The MLS Cup 2022 is here, as Los Angeles and Philadelphia Union go head-to-head at the Banc of California Stadium in the playoff final this weekend.
These two were the best teams in America’s top tier in the regular season, both picking up 67 points to win their respective divisions. The pair also played out a thrilling draw when they met in L.A. back in May.
Who will get their hands on the trophy this weekend?
Philadelphia Union vs Los Angeles FC: Facts & Trends
- Los Angeles won the Western Conference this season, picking up 21 wins from 34 games.
- Philadelphia Union finished top of the Eastern Conference table, losing just five times along the way.
- The teams played out a four-goal draw in California back in May.
- This will be the fifth meeting between the two teams.
- Neither side have ever been MLS Cup champions.
Philadelphia Union vs Los Angeles FC: Game Info & Odds
- Los Angeles vs Philadelphia Union
- MLS Cup 2022
- Banc of California Stadium
- 6:00 pm ET
- Los Angeles Odds: -125
- Draw: +300
- Philadelphia Union Odds: +320
Philadelphia Union vs Los Angeles FC: Betting Previews
Betting on Los Angeles FC
After making a handful of world-class signings this season, Los Angeles were destined to go far. They were the best team in the Western Conference by a considerable distance, finishing 11 points above runners-up Austin.
LAFC secured their passage straight through to the playoff semifinals after winning 21 of their 34 regular season games. They suffered nine defeats and drew four times.
Steve Cherundolo’s troops went on to face El Trafico rivals LA Galaxy in the Conference semifinals, and the derby match certainly lived up to the billing.
Despite being the big underdogs at the Banc of California Stadium, Galaxy pushed their rivals all the way, coming from behind on two occasions to almost force extra time. However, Cristian Arango hit the winner at the death to put LAFC through.
Los Angeles faced Austin in the Western Conference final at the Banc of California Stadium. To their credit, the visitors were in the game after an hour, but an own goal and a late Kwadwo Opoku effort was enough for a 3-0 home victory.
LAFC have been incredibly hard to beat at home, with just Austin and Nashville winning on their patch this season. Cherundolo’s side have picked up 11 wins from their last 12 home fixtures. Los Angeles are the red-hot favorites to win on home turf again on the weekend.
Betting on Philadelphia Union
Philadelphia Union have built on last term’s success and have had another excellent year in MLS. They won the Eastern Conference, amassing an impressive 67 points in the process. Jim Curtin’s troops won 19, drew ten, and lost just five times.
Philadelphia were potent in attack all year, scoring a staggering 72 goals, which was the most in MLS by far. They also conceded the fewest number of goals in America’s top tier, shipping just 26.
Philadelphia’s form over the past couple of months or so has been incredible. Since a 1-0 loss in Dallas back in mid-August, Curtin’s team have gone on to win eight and draw two of the following ten. However, they were hammered 4-0 by Charlotte at the Bank of America Stadium in their last away fixture.
In their Eastern Conference semifinal with Cincinnati, Leon Flach’s goal on the hour mark was enough for a 1-0 home victory. They then went up against New York City in a repeat of last year’s Eastern Conference final.
Union showed tremendous fighting spirit after going a goal down in the second period, with Julian Carranza, Daniel Gazdag, and Cory Burke on target in an eventual 3-1 success.
Philadelphia have been much better at home than they have on the road this season, but can they defy the odds and come out on top in Los Angeles on the weekend?
Injury Report
Gareth Bale has not quite hit the heights since making the switch from Real Madrid to Los Angeles.
The Welshman has missed the playoffs with a leg injury and looks a doubt for this one. Bale is racing against time to be fully fit for Wales in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Right now, Curtin has a full squad of Philadelphia Union players to choose from. Be sure to check MLS injuries before placing a bet!
Philadelphia Union vs. Los Angeles FC: Picks & Predictions
These two teams have been the top dogs of MLS this season. Los Angeles cruised to first place in the Western section, while Philadelphia Union won the Eastern Conference. Both sides picked up the same number of points, which proves how evenly matched they are.
LAFC are the favorites on home soil, and their home record shows why. However, if the hosts are not at their best, in-form Philadelphia will be ready to pounce.
Union have been beaten just five times in 2022, though they did lose 4-0 in North Carolina in their last away match.
There was nothing to split the duo when they clashed at the Banc of California Stadium in league action back in May. Gazdag gave Union a first-half lead, though Opoku leveled before the hour mark.
Philadelphia were back in front ten minutes later, but Franco Escobar’s late goal rescued a point for LAFC. Will we see another stalemate on Sunday?
The Pick
The draw in the 90 is certainly a tempting prospect, as both teams will not want to give anything away in this showpiece final.
However, we can see the home team sneaking the narrowest of victories. Check out the generous price of +300 for Los Angeles to win the 2022 MLS Cup by a one-goal margin.
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