MLS Picks for Kicks: Toronto FC ready for LA Galaxy at BMO Field

MLS Betting Odds and Preview

If Toronto FC is looking for a measuring stick for its solid start this season, the club needn’t look any further than this weekend’s date with the MLS reigning champion LA Galaxy. Los Angeles already looks primed to win its third consecutive title and Sports Interaction has the Galaxy as +400 favourite to complete the three-peat. To put that in perspective for Saturday’s match, Toronto is at the bottom of that odds board at +4000.

But there is a lot of intrigue to this matchup. It will be the first game of the season for Toronto FC at BMO stadium and that is something TFC head coach Ryan Nelson is focusing on ahead of the game this week. “It’s kind of felt that Toronto’s been one of the top places that teams would like to come and play,” Nelsen told reporters. “Well, we want to change that a bit. So, we’ll be working very hard to make it a very tough place to play.”

Earlier this week the pitch was reportedly a little heavy, but as long as the weather holds, it should be in good shape – which may or may not be a good thing for TFC. Toronto’s best chance to hang around in this one is to play a tough, physical game. If this turns into a pretty game, the Galaxy will fill the TFC net.

I don’t think that will happen though. TFC is trying to change its entire culture and this is a game that will go a long way in that effort. They’ll battle in a hard-fought loss here. Final score: LA 1, Toronto 0.

Montreal Impact (+270) at Sporting Kansas City (-111) Draw (+205)

The Montreal Impact have shown no fear playing on the road this season having already won at Seattle and Portland to begin their current four-game winning streak. This trip to Kansas City will be a major test, though. KC is feeling some pressure after a slow start and will have Matt Besler, the 2012 Defender of the Year, back in the lineup Saturday. At this point, I’m not going against the Impact until I see a major problem. Montreal will hold at the back again and wait for opportunities. With the way Marco Di Viao is playing at the front, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him strike again. At this price, the Impact are worth a shot to keep their streak alive. Final score: Montreal 1, Kansas City 0.

Vancouver Whitecaps (+200) at Chivas USA (+120) Draw (+205)

It hasn’t been the best start for the Whitecaps, but they could break out against a USA Chivas side that has conceded six goals already. Vancouver held possession well in last week’s loss at Houston but did have a number of opportunities to put the game out of reach. If the ‘Caps get their defensive set pieces figured out, they have a decent shot at an upset here. Final score: Vancouver 2, Chivas USA 1.

Last week Frank was 2-0 with his MLS picks and hit the correct score in Montreal’s win over New York.

Season record to date: 6-4

Correct scores: 2