Two MLS Contests on Sunday: Expert Picks in the MLS for 8/23
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Sun Aug 23, 2026, 6:30 am ET
Read Time: 4 minutes
MLS
Spread
Total
Moneyline
+0.0
-145
2.5
500u
+245
Spread
Total
Moneyline
+0.25
-115
2
-108o
+208
At the time of this writing, we have three MLS wagers currently pending on Saturday's slate. And we are in major need of some positive vibes. Hopefully we get there, but if not, there are still a couple of matches on Sunday to bet on, and I've found a plus money wager in both contests. Let's take a look at our MLS Expert Picks for Sunday!
- 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: Sunday's Predictions August 23
New England Revolution vs. New York City FC MLS Picks
Hannes Wolf and New York City face the New England Revolution on the road this Sunday
Best Bet: New England/New York City Under 2.5 (+120) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
Let's root for no goals as these two Northeast rivals go head to head at Gillette Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The Revolution have been incredible this season, especially defensively at home. They do have somewhat recent home losses to the Houston Dynamo and Nashville SC, but take a look at the MLS table. Those two clubs are sitting on top of their respective conferences at the moment. Therefore, they are very good teams, and those losses can be overlooked, and more importantly, forgiven.
But overall, New England is 8-1-2 at home this year with four total shutouts. They've only allowed multiple goals at home twice this year, in both losses, again, to very good teams. New York City's offense isn't that scary away from home. They are just 3-2-4 and have been shutout in two of those losses as well. This includes losses to Nashville, Vancouver, and Cincinnati, all of whom are up near the top of the table.
They will have their hands full on the road against the Revolution, and I think that leads to them being a little more conservative, and playing for a low scoring draw. But the hosts should find a way to grind out a win.
Prediction: New England Wins 1-0 (+875)
Atlanta United vs. Sporting KC MLS Picks
Dejan Joveljic has eight goals for Sporting KC this season, leading the team by far
Best Bet: Both Teams to Score/Under 4.5 (+120) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
Stay with me on this one. We need both teams to find the back of the net, however, we are looking for less than 4.5 total goals. Therefore, we need a 1-1 or 2-2 draw, or a 2-1 result either way to cash our bet. I am very confident in one of those results happening, leading me to place this +120 same game parlay. Let's talk it over.
We are literally dealing with the two worst teams in the MLS, no exaggeration at all. Atlanta United is at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with just 18 points, and Sporting KC bottoms out the West with just 15 points overall. However, even these two trashcans should find the back of the net on Sunday, which is correctly priced around -190.
Sporting KC have been shutout in three straight matches prior to a 1-1 draw against St. Louis. But those shutouts were against Colorado, Houston, and LAFC, all playoff teams in the West. They should be able to find one against another bottom feeder. As for Atlanta, they have found some positive mojo with two consecutive 2-1 victories, including winning two of their last three at home.
The hosts only have one shutout all year long, so look for both teams to score, but not too many, because remember, they suck.
Prediction: Atlanta Wins 2-1 (+725)
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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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