There were a lot of people who questioned the idea of the MLS heading to Orlando to play a tournament in the middle of summer. The idea has proven to be a stroke of genius, though, with games played at times, including at 9 in the morning, where the weather is not much of a factor. Despite the problems with teams – Nashville and Dallas – needing to withdraw because of positive tests prior to the start of the tournament, the bubble idea is now working as the league believed it would. Not only are players playing in a safe environment, they are also delivering the goods on the field, as this tournament is now hotter than the Florida weather. Let’s find out how these teams arrive to this affair so you can make your bets against their MLS odds.
Orlando City Vs Philadelphia Union Game Preview
With the games coming thick and fast, we have now seen a few teams punch their ticket into the Round of 16, but with a bunch of group stage games still to come, there are still spots up for grabs. It is Group A that is back in the spotlight on Monday, with NYCFC keeping their slim Round of 16 hopes alive with a 1-0 win over Inter Miami in the early game. This game is in as a PK play, with the goal total set at 2 ¾.
Why bet on the Philadelphia Union
This group underwent some changes before a ball was kicked after Nashville were forced to withdraw. The Philadelphia Union maintained their focus and came out in the Round 1 game and snuck a gritty 1-0 win against NYFC, Winning the first game of a round robin is always great, as it takes some of the pressure off, especially when you have 4 third place finishers also moving on. Philly could easily have settled for a draw in their Round 3 game against Inter Miami, but they went for the jugular and the automatic berth in the Round of 16. Despite going up early in that game, they were made to work for the full 90 minutes before pulling out a 2-1 win.
Why bet on Orlando City
Yes, we are well aware that this is not really a true home game for Orlando City, but playing in their home town and not really needing to make travel arrangements to get to the Wide World of Sports seems to have helped this team relax. They had a bit of a nervy start to the tournament, going against new boys Inter Miami in Round 1. The game looked to be headed for a tie before Nani slotted home a late winner. That victory seemed to give them a rather strong boost of confidence, because Orlando looked very good in a 3-1 win over NYCFC in Round 2. Their ticket is already punched, but you can bet that winning this group and getting a favorable Round of 16 draw is still on their minds.
General Match Info Orlando City SC Vs Philadelphia Union
- When: Monday, July 20 at 8 PM EST
- Where: Wide World of Sports, Orlando
- Orlando City Vs Philadelphia Union: ESPN
- Money Lines: Orlando wins +160 / Union wins +149 / Draw +252
Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction
These two teams tend to deliver goals when they go head to head, with a total of 12 goals scored in their last 3 meetings. Given the goal difference, a draw would suit Orlando here, which is exactly what I think we are going to get.
Pick: Philadelphia Union 2 Orlando City 2
