MLS Picks and Predictions (8/23): Don’t Forget About Saturday Soccer

I know everyone is pumped for football, American football that is. College Football runs the United States, and everyone is excited for Week 0. However, we've still got a massive slate of American soccer as the MLS gifts us a 12 match slate on Saturday. We've had a profitable season in Major League Soccer so far, so let's keep it going with our favorite picks for this weekend.

• MLS YTD
• 39-39-3 (50%)
• +3.54u
• Avg Odds: +112

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

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Major League Soccer: Saturday's Predictions August 23

Philadelphia Union vs. Chicago Fire: MLS Picks

Best Bet: Philadelphia Union ML (-125) BetOnline

The Philadelphia Union are back at home after coming off a road loss, but they are still the No. 2 team on the Eastern Conference table, sitting just one point behind F.C. Cincinnati. Their motivation tonight will be at an all time high, as they look to jump Cincy with a win, hoping NYCFC can upset the big dogs.

Now, Philadelphia is head and shoulders the best defense in the MLS. They lead the league in goals allowed, are one of three teams that have conceded less than 30 so far this season (25-27 matches played), and are the only team allowing less than one goal per match (0.96).

On the offensive side, Philly scores 1.63 goals per contest and are unbeaten in their last 15 at home, including 11 outright wins and four draws. Sure, the Chicago Fire are unbeaten in their last five with three outright wins, but they already lost at home to this team.

I expect the hosts to handle business, and I think we are getting great value as I believe they should be priced closer to (-150) to win this in 90 minutes.

Prediction: Philadelphia Union Win 2-0 (+950)

Houston Dynamo vs. San Jose Earthquakes: MLS Picks

Best Bet: San Jose Earthquakes +0.5 (-122) BetOnline

We are taking the Earthquakes or Draw Double Chance this evening on the road. More simply, we are fading Houston.

If you have more guts than me, you could take San Jose to win outright at +230, but the double chance is priced well enough for my liking. Houston was up 2-0 against the Earthquakes on the road earlier this season, but they melted down allowing three straight goals for San Jose to take the lead. They found an equalizer in stoppage time, but proved they couldn't hold a lead.

The Dynamo's last win came on July 5, where they needed an 87′ minute PK to equalize and a 90'+10′ stoppage time goal to seal the victory. However, this team is barely scoring a goal per match while they face one of the most dangerous offenses in the league.

San Jose ranks No. 2 in the Western Conference in scoring, netting 1.85 goals per match. They will play aggressive and dare Houston to keep up with them, which I don't think they are capable of.

The Earthquakes still have some pep in their step and are fighting to make the playoffs, while I see Houston continuing to slip down the standings. Give me San Jose to at least secure a point on the road.

Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes Win 3-1 (+1200)

San Diego FC vs. Portland Timbers: MLS Picks

Best Bet: Sn Diego/Portland Under 3 (-104) BetOnline

Two of the top teams in the Western Conference go head to head, as San Diego FC, who are at the top of the table, take on the Portland Timbers at Snapdragon Stadium. This is the first meeting between these two clubs in this opening season for the hosts, and with the playoffs looming ahead, both certainly have plenty of motivation to earn three points.

But, I see this being a low scoring, 1-1 draw. We've got push potential if someone decides to win 2-1 as well, but look for both defenses to be locked in.

San Diego has had four straight matches push or stay under this number, and that's actually happened in eight of their last nine matches overall. Away from home, the Timbers have also stayed under this number in eight straight.

And that makes sense, because they have a rock solid defense. Portland allows less than 1.5 goals per match, and San Diego is right there as well. The Western Conference leaders have allowed just 33 goals in 27 matches, averaging just 1.2 goals allowed per meeting.

San Diego has a significant gap between them and No. 2 Minnesota United, leading them by five points. Their focus tonight might not be on winning outright, but rather making sure they earn at least one point. Despite their lead on the table, they can't afford to let points slip away, especially at home.

On the flip side, Portland sit at No. 6 on the table, just a point or two ahead of the Colorado Rapids and Austin FC. While the Timbers should be aggressive and try to sneak a win on the road, I expect them to be more sound defensively. Again, their focus should be on at least earning one point away from home against the top team in the conference.

This match has 1-1 draw written all over it, so under three is a go for me.

Prediction: 1-1 Draw (+700)

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