MLS 2020 – Semi-Finals – Best Bets, Odds, Picks & Predictions

The MLS is Back Tournament has already dished up plenty of surprises so far, but the drama is far from over. The new-look competition has reached the semi-finals, with Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers, Orlando City, and Minnesota United set to battle it out for a place in the final. 

I have scoured the odds to find the best value bets for the MLS semi-finals. Let’s get right into it! 

Philadelphia Union vs. Portland Timbers – 08/05/20 

The bookies view Portland (2.40) as the slight favorites to win this game. The Timbers won the 2015 MLS Cup and reached the final in 2018, so their experience at the business end of tournaments in vast. On the other hand, Philadelphia (2.63) have never made it past the semi-finals. However, the U have been immense this year, thrashing Sporting KC 3-1 in the previous round. 

Portland have also played well, but they are yet to keep a clean sheet in the tournament, conceding six goals in five games. Due to the Timbers’ poor defensive record, I can see Philadelphia winning this game. Odds of 2.63 for the U win are pretty good on their own. But if you’re looking for a slightly better price, I recommend adding the over 1.5 goals onto the Philadelphia win. After all, the U have scored eight goals in five games, while Portland's’ backline has been far from convincing. 

Pick: Philadelphia Union to Win and Over 1.5 Goals – 3.20 

Orlando City vs. Minnesota United – 08/06/20 

Orlando (2.40) have undoubtedly been the surprise package at the MLS is Back Tournament. Nobody gave the Lions a chance before the competition kick off. But after beating Inter Miami and New York City to finish top of Group A, Orlando impressively saw off Montreal Impact and tournament-favorites LAFC to reach the last four. Can they really go all the way? 

Minnesota (2.63) didn’t exactly have a convincing group stage, picking up one win and two draws. However, the Loons have come to life in the knockout stages. After beating Columbus Crew in the Round of 16, Minnesota thrashed San Joe Earthquakes 4-1 in the quarter-finals. I’m confident that Minnesota will end Orlando’s fairytale run, but I can see the Lions getting on the scoresheet. Both teams have scored in four of Orlando and Minnesota’s five games in the tournament. 

Pick: Minnesota United to Win and Both Teams to Score – 4.66