With the final weekend of February approaching, online Vegas betting sites like Bovada start up the 2023 MLS Bets season. The MLS season opens on February 25th. It is great to return to soccer in North America, as the long offseason is finally over. This article takes a look at our MLS Opening Night Bets featuring the Philadelphia Union and Columbus Crew. .
The 28th MLS season gets underway on Saturday, February 25th, as the Philadelphia Union start their journey against the Columbus Crew. Experts believe this Philadelphia team may ultimately be better than last year. They are one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference at the least (+700 to win the MLS Cup). LAFC remains the top choice, but that may not last. This Philadelphia team looks to be on a mission for MLS Opening Night Bets.
The initial numbers came in and turned some heads. Columbus became one of the most exciting teams to watch down the stretch last season. There was this thought that Philadelphia may not be this much of a favorite. However, this is the Union. This team started out so hot in 2022, then just kept going. Some believe the LA teams, or maybe even NYCFC are the ones to beat. However, the Union are out to prove their run was no fluke.
So, Philadelphia gets a boost before even taking to the pitch on Saturday night against Columbus. Facing Evan Bush, who has not started an MLS game in over a year, cannot hurt. It does not matter how much training or experience a goalkeeper has. Bush goes up against a Philadelphia team eager to get chances early and often. Expect Columbus to be under siege early in this Eastern Conference matchup.
Naturally, MLS Opening Night Bets fires off the first question. Can Philadelphia win this game outright or even against the spread?
Philadelphia wager options for MLS Opening Night Bets are expansive. The Union get a home tilt against a young Columbus team without their best last line of defense in Room. That home Philadelphia crowd will be whipped up in a frenzy. This squad lead the league in goal differential at +46. They featured the best defense (26 goals allowed) along with the top offense (72 goals for).
Possession aids Philadelphia immensely. One of their biggest advantages is how the Union controls pace. Then, the team sets up their transition game. Few teams can match the tempo generated. Even fewer teams have the striking capability of Philadelphia. As if that was not enough, even their hometown products carry immense talent and can fill right into the lineup.
This game lays up masterfully for a team like Philadelphia. The Union want to face a speedy, young team to challenge their defense while being allowed to attack back on offense. Philadelphia enjoyed the advantage of the home crowd as they went 12-0-5. Yes, the Union did not lose a single game at Subaru Field in 2022. Few expect much of a change from that mark this season.
Unfortunately, where does one go for the bet here? Does a bettor play it safe on the moneyline (-134)? Is there the temptation for that big spread? Could going up to -1 goal (+130) open up the potential for a push, or is there the tendency to risk up to -1.5 goals (+195)? Against the spread, Philadelphia was far better at home, but four of their five draws did come in the first half. How about hedging down the middle for the Union on Saturday night?
MLS Opening Night Bets wonders if we can get into some opening props. Yes, it is match number one, but why not take some shots at a few props that might just hit on Saturday night. The key with props is never to wager more than your initial bet. Whether it is moneyline or against the spread, bet with your head. There is a long season to go. Needless to say, confidence raises higher and higher as opening night approaches with Philadelphia.
Not surprisingly, every preseason read leading up to the weekend indicates this Philadelphia team has the ability to turn it on and turn it off with ease. Could the Union get off to a slow start? Maybe. However, one of the ideas for a wager for Saturday when it comes to props is the Philadelphia lead wire to wire at +155. Again, these choices are better than the moneyline and even better than the hedge spread seen above.
For the MLS Opening Night Bets, we like the wire to wire game prop and a clean sheet prop as well.
What about a crazier MLS Opening Night Bets choice? Some readers asked us if we might consider the “Battle Of LA”. It was a favorite of ours all 2022 long.
The fun for 2023 MLS Opening Night Bets is to make room for the over. That number may move between now and Saturday. It might be worth to get on the ground floor here before the books get any different ideas. Also, if one is confident enough, step this up to an over of 3.5 goals at +136.
Do not forget betting site bonuses to set up for soccer and more this final week of February.
