D.C. United v. Philadelphia Union
Two of Major League Soccer’s hottest teams collide at Audi Field in the nation’s capital as D.C. United (7-6-10) hosts Philadelphia Union (11-3-11) at 8 p.m. Wednesday night.
D.C. exits a 1-0 loss to the Red Bulls on Sunday, but prior to that they had won four of their last five contests behind English invader Wayne Rooney, who garnered the most recent MLS Player of the Week honors. The former Premier League star has amassed three goals and three assists in just nine games as a member of the United. D.C. was mired at the bottom of the standings in the first half of the year, but since Rooney came over and midfielder Russell Canouse returned from injury, they’ve looked like a postseason player.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia Union has reeled off four straight wins, surrendering only two goals in that frame of time. Cory Burke has been the chief catalyst behind the Union’s sudden outburst of scoring, tallying six goals in his last seven matches, including one in each of his last two games.
Keeper Andre Blake has played extraordinarily well in his last two matches, posting clean sheets while staving off some prime opportunities from a desperate New England Revolution squad in his most recent outing, leading to Man of the Match honors.
D.C. United has home field advantage in this fixture, but they are not a very tempting proposition on the three-way lines at -110.
The play: Philadelphia to win (+250) for two units, DRAW (+275) for one unit.
Portland Timbers v. Toronto FC
The Portland Timbers (10-7-7) will be looking to right the ship at home on Wednesday night (10:30 p.m.) when Toronto FC (7-6-12) comes to Providence Park.
Diego Valeri and the Timbers have hit the skids, dropping four straight games while getting shut out in back-to-back contests. Portland has seemingly sprung leaks everywhere, as they’ve given up 22 shots on goal during this four-game slide, and keeper Jake Attinella has posted just one clean sheet in his last seven starts. Not helping matters is Sebastian Blanco’s balky leg that’s been flaring up in recent games.
The Timbers will host a hungry Toronto FC that’s won two of its last three despite striker Jozy Altidore missing time due to suspension and Sebastian Giovinco nursing a nagging groin injury. Captain Michael Bradley has picked up the slack in the midfield, as he led all MLS players in tackles (5) and passes completed (103) to earn a spot on the MLS Team of the Week.
Toronto also saw defender Drew Moor play a full 90 minutes for the first time since an April injury. His presence should help keep Valeri and Blanco in check in this tilt.
This game has major playoff implications for both teams, with Portland trying to stay in the picture while Toronto is trying to wedge their way in. The Reds are the more appealing option at the price.
The play: Toronto to win (+250) for two units, DRAW (+285) for one unit.
