MLS Player Props Picks: Today’s Best Value Plays (7/17)

BettingThePitch

Written by: BettingThePitch

Published: Fri Jul 17, 2026, 1:14 pm ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

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MLS

It was great having MLS back last night, even if one of the best matches on the schedule was postponed because of the wildfires in Canada.

The good news? We cashed the Albert Rusnák assist play, and our other bet was voided because of the postponement.

One thing I have to mention… it was so nice getting spoiled by the World Cup with every match kicking off exactly on time. Then MLS comes back, and we're right back to the famous 15-minute delayed starts. I still have no idea why that's a thing.

Anyway, let's get into tonight's slate.

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

Cristian Espinoza To Score or Assist

Cristian Espinoza and Nashville look to hold onto the top spot in the Eastern Conference as MLS returns from the World Cup break.

As always, wait for confirmed lineups before betting player props. That's especially important if your sportsbook doesn't void non-starters.

Nashville have been one of the best home teams in MLS this season. They've scored 23 goals in just seven home matches and have won six of those seven games.

The biggest piece of news is that Sam Surridge is expected to be available after the World Cup break. That's a huge boost for Nashville's attack and gives Cristian Espinoza another dangerous target inside the box.

Espinoza ranks fourth on the team in expected goals. He also leads Nashville with 2.9 chances created per 90 minutes and 10 big chances created.

That's exactly the type of profile I want for a score-or-assist market.

Before the break, he recorded three goals and six assists in 14 matches. He now gets a favorable matchup against an Atlanta side that has struggled away from home.

Atlanta have just one road win in six matches. While they haven't conceded many goals, they also haven't faced many attacks as dynamic as Nashville's.

These teams met back in April in Atlanta. Nashville generated 2.17 expected goals and scored twice despite playing without Surridge.

Espinoza found the scoresheet that night. He also created four chances, including two classified as big chances.

I expect Nashville to create plenty of opportunities again, and Espinoza should be involved in the middle of them.

Play: Cristian Espinoza To Score or Assist (+100)

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

Denis Bouanga Anytime Goalscorer

Night two of MLS is back, and we get El Tráfico!

LAFC and the LA Galaxy rarely disappoint when they meet. This rivalry always seems to bring out another level from both sides.

No player has enjoyed this fixture more than Denis Bouanga.

He's scored in every meeting with the Galaxy except one. That lone exception came in his first appearance back in 2023, meaning he's found the net in six straight against LA's biggest rivals.

That's an incredible run.

Bouanga should also have fresh legs after the extended break. I expect him to come out flying in one of the biggest regular-season matches on the calendar.

He has six goals in 14 league appearances this season, but I think an even bigger second half is coming. The same goes for this LAFC attack.

Bouanga is averaging nearly four shots per 90 minutes and around two shots on target per match. The volume has been there all season.

Now add in the atmosphere, the rivalry, and his history against the Galaxy, and this number becomes tough to pass up.

At plus money, I'll gladly back Bouanga to continue his dominance in El Tráfico.

Play: Denis Bouanga Anytime Goalscorer (+120)

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BettingThePitch
BettingThePitch

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

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