Major League Soccer Picks and Predictions: MLS Begins

Nate Hornung

Written by: Nate Hornung

Published: Fri Feb 20, 2026, 5:00 pm ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

Sebastian Berhalter leads the Whitecaps with six assists, and has added three goals in nine matches as well - MLS Picks

MLS

The MLS is back! Major League Soccer makes its return to our screens this weekend, so we dove into the full slate and found our favorite picks. We've had plenty of success betting on this league, and are looking for a fourth straight profitable season, and it all starts on Saturday!

  • MLS Betting Records by Year
  • 2023: 18-20-8 +2.95u
  • 2024: 10-11 +0.69u
  • 2025: 65-68-7 +3.73u

Win percentage means a lot less than units when you're betting plenty of plus money.

Head over to our MLS Picks Page for our expert's soccer analysis, or read my best bets below.

Major League Soccer: Saturday's Predictions February 21

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Real Salt Lake MLS Picks

Brian White is near the top of the oddsboard to lead the MLS in goals scored this season - MLS Picks

Brian White is near the top of the oddsboard to lead the MLS in goals scored this season

Best Bet: Vancouver Whitecaps ML/Over 1.5 (-110) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

Feel free to take this up to 2.5 for +130 if you'd rather. At home in their opener, I'll back the MLS Cup runner ups to get the win over a frisky Real Salt Lake team. This bet would've cashed in both meetings last year, as the Whitecaps won 3-2 on the road and 2-1 at home, plus this was before Thomas Muller joined the squad. That man helps their attacking power, and should be able to lead them to a victory.

The Whitecaps team total is listed at over 1.5 for -179, and both teams to score is priced at -162. Those odds, along with the total being at a flat three, should tell you that there's going to be plenty of offense in this match. I could see it being a bit one sided, however all we need is two total goals and a Whitecaps victory to walk away with a win.

We've seen at least three goals the last five times these teams have met, and nothing should change this weekend.

Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps Win 3-1 (+1000)

Nashville SC vs. New England Revolution MLS Picks

Hany Mukhtar and Nashville host the New England Revolution to start the MLS season - MLS Picks

Hany Mukhtar and Nashville host the New England Revolution to start the MLS season

Best Bet: Nashville ML/Under 4.5 (+122) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

Nashville SC has arguably the second best attack in the Eastern Conference, behind Inter Miami of course. But Sam Surridge was second in the MLS in goals scored last season (causing me to bet on him to win the Golden Boot this year at 14-1), and Hany Mukhtar was top 10 in the league in both goals and assists. They are a heavy favorite in this match for a reason, and historically they are hard to beat at GEODIS Park.

Now, I'm betting that New England doesn't contribute much to this total. If you want, Nashville to win in shutout fashion is priced around +215 if that tickles your plums. However, besides Carles Gil, the Revolution don't have much offense. He was responsible for 10 of their 44 goals last season, and they'll be relying heavily on Leonardo Campana to step up and contribute more. That's going to be tough to do right out of the gate against one of the league's top contenders.

Prediction: Nashville SC Wins 2-0 (+825)

San Jose Earthquakes vs. Sporting KC MLS Picks

Beau Leroux scored five goals and five assists for the Earthquakes in just 25 starts last year - MLS Picks

Beau Leroux scored five goals and five assists for the Earthquakes in just 25 starts last year

Best Bet: San Jose Earthquakes ML (-121) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

I don't hate backing the Earthquakes team total over a flat two goals at +105. You would be getting plus money and push potential, and I do see them finding the back of the net three times, however, they likely only need two goals to win this match. Sporting KC sucks. As a Kansas City native and a soccer fan, it's not very fun to be a supporter at the moment. We are in for a rough season.

Despite not being too good defensively, San Jose has a very high powered offense, and adding German striker Timo Werner into the mix makes them that much more dangerous. After trading away Daniel Salloi, I do not have much faith in Sporting KC's attack, especially switching up the personnel this close to the start of the season. San Jose should roll, and backing them to do so in a high scoring game could get you more bang for your buck.

Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes Win 3-1 (+1100)

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Nate Hornung
Nate Hornung

Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.

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