MLS Player Prop Picks: Today’s Best Value Plays (7/16)

BettingThePitch

Written by: BettingThePitch

Last Update: Thu Jul 16, 2026, 9:11 am ET

Read Time: 4 minutes

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MLS

We're shifting gears tonight as Major League Soccer returns!

We'll be covering MLS for the rest of the season, so make sure you're locked in for all the plays and analysis. If you joined us during the World Cup and aren't familiar with MLS, welcome.

MLS is one of my favorite leagues to bet.

No, the overall quality isn't at the level of Europe's biggest leagues. What it does deliver is entertainment, unpredictability, and plenty of value. Every season brings breakout stars, exciting young talent, and established names making the move stateside.

Most importantly, there are bets to be made.

Let's get into my favorite plays for tonight.

Before placing any bets, be sure to compare the latest odds at our best online sportsbooks and check out our guides to sports betting promos and welcome bonuses.

Featured Plays

Philip Zinckernagel To Score or Assist

Before we jump into the analysis, one quick note.

This is the first match back after more than a month off for many of these teams. We don't know exactly what the lineups will look like or what kind of form everyone will be in.

Because of that, I'd recommend keeping your bet sizes a little lighter until we get a better feel for things.

With that said, Philip Zinckernagel is one of my favorite "To Score or Assist" players in MLS.

He ranks second on Chicago in goals per 90 minutes, expected goals, and expected goals per 90. He also leads the club with 2.10 chances created per match and eight big chances created.

That's exactly the profile I want when betting this market.

He was also in outstanding form before the World Cup break. Zinckernagel recorded either a goal or an assist in eight of his final nine matches.

During that stretch, he totaled four goals and eight assists.

This won't be an easy matchup against a quality Vancouver side. Still, I like targeting Chicago at home, especially in a match where both teams may still be shaking off some rust.

If Robert Lewandowski is available for Chicago, I like this play even more. He gives Zinckernagel another elite target inside the penalty area.

Play: Philip Zinckernagel To Score or Assist (+125)

If you're shopping for the best price, compare odds across our recommended sportsbooks before placing your wager.

Albert Rusnák Anytime Assist

Rusnak and Seattle get their second half of the season underway against Portland at home.

 

As always, wait for the starting lineups if you can.

That's especially important if your sportsbook doesn't void wagers on non-starters. Always check the house rules before placing your bet.

Seattle couldn't ask for a much better matchup coming out of the break.

They're back at home, where they've been excellent all season. The Sounders have won four of their six home matches while averaging two goals per game.

Now they welcome a Portland side that struggled defensively before the break.

The Timbers rank near the bottom of MLS in expected goals conceded. They're also allowing two goals per game away from home.

Rusnák is the engine of Seattle's attack.

Operating in the No. 10 role, he's the player pulling the strings every time Seattle move forward.

He's averaging 2.8 chances created per 90 minutes and leads the team with six big chances created. He also ranks second in expected assists, trailing only Jesús Ferreira.

Few attacking midfielders in MLS create as many quality opportunities for their teammates.

If Seattle produce the attacking performance I expect, they'll score multiple goals. At plus money, I like Rusnák to be the one setting one of them up.

Play: Albert Rusnák Anytime Assist (+165)

Still Want More Soccer Content?

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Be sure to check out our content on YouTube, TikTok, and X. You can also follow my personal X account, @BettingThePitch, for additional free plays, World Cup coverage, and tournament content throughout the month.

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BettingThePitch
BettingThePitch

Just a guy who loves sports, soccer and beating the books!

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