MLS Expert Picks for August 22, 2026: Need a Bounce Back Day on the American Pitch
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Fri Aug 21, 2026, 4:40 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
MLS
Spread
Total
Moneyline
-0.5
-157
1.5
-105o
+340
Spread
Total
Moneyline
+1.0
-122
3
-107u
+360
After staying in the green for the first half of the MLS season, an 0-3 day last weekend puts us on the wrong side of zero for the entire season. Lucky for us, there's still plenty of matches to pick up the slack, get out of this slump, and finish the season on a positive note. Let's start that journey on Saturday as there are 13 MLS matches to choose from. Check out our expert picks below.
- MLS YTD
- 29-30-1 (49.2%)
- -0.03u
- Average Odds: +116
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 August 22
FC Cincinnati vs. Seattle Sounders MLS Picks
Evander is in insane form, and the entire Cincy team is scoring at will. Back them to do so at home this weekend.
Best Bet: FC Cincinnati ML/Over 2.5 (+100) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
I have no problem paying the -157 juice on the FC Cincinnati ML if that's how you prefer to bet this match, but the hosts could clear this total on their own. This team is heavily involved in goal scoring fests, netting 2.40 goals per match while allowing 2.30. Sure, Seattle's defense is much stronger than some other teams they have faced, but they haven't been solid recently, and Cincy is in too good of form to fade.
They are unbeaten in five of their last six matches, and in three straight MLS contests, scoring 12 goals in five league contests since the World Cup. The Sounders have been slipping, allowing two goals in each of their last three matches, and in seven of eight contests since the return from the World Cup. In those eight matches, Seattle is allowing 2.5 goals per match, while scoring just one per outing.
Again, I don't think we will need Seattle to score to get over this total, Cincy should dominate at home from start to finish.
Prediction: FC Cincinnati Wins 3-1 (+975)
New York Red Bulls vs. Chicago Fire MLS Picks
Phillip Zinckernagel and Chicago take on the New York Red Bulls this weekend with revenge in mind
Best Bet: Chicago Fire Draw No Bet (-122) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
This line is scaring me out of being more aggressive. Honestly, I like the Fire on the ML, especially around +137 or so, but I'll take the cushion because of our recent MLS skid. Chicago has won six straight matches outright, and each match gives new signing Robert Lewandowski more comfortability with his teammates. They lost to this Red Bulls team at home, 3-1, but that was before Lewy joined. I think they get their revenge on the road this weekend.
The Red Bulls have been slipping, losing two straight and four of their last five since return from the World Cup, including being shutout at home twice. Give me Chicago with revenge on their mind this weekend.
Prediction: Chicago Wins 2-1 (+850)
St. Louis City SC vs. Houston Dynamo MLS Picks
Guilherme Augusto leads the Dynamo with 12 goals and seven assists this season. A true playmaker.
Best Bet: Dynamo +0.5 (-134) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
The Houston Dynamo have been playing out of their minds and are alone on top of the Western Conference. They are in "no fade" mode, and I'll be backing them to get a positive result on the road for this juicy price. Houston have won five straight MLS matches, and are unbeaten in six straight since the return from the World Cup.
During that stretch, the Dynamo have allowed just one goal. Coming back from break, they drew with D.C. United 1-1 at home. Since then, they've earned five straight shutout victories, including beating the Vancouver Whitecaps on the road, whom were at the top of the conference. While St. Louis hasn't lost since May 3, they've been involved in plenty of draws, and that's all we need from Houston to cash this bet.
Prediction: Houston Dynamo Win 2-1 (+975)
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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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