We've got three expert picks for MLS matchweek 3 ready for you. Make sure to tail these moneyline or totals picks for this weekend's set of games in North American soccer.
We're three weeks into the season, meaning trends are starting to emerge for us to go on when making these bets.
MLS Expert Picks Matchweek 3
NYCFC vs Timbers
The Game: NYCFC vs Portland Timbers, Saturday, March 9, 2 PM ET
| Team | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|
| NYCFC | -135 | O2.5 (-115) |
| Portland Timbers | +360 | U2.5 (-110) |
| Draw | +280 |
Pick: Timbers ML (+360)
It's a big gamble to start off the slate of bets, but Portland has been much better through the early part of this season. They've scored an outstanding six goals on 1.3 xG. Compared to NYCFC's zero.
Looking at shooting metrics there isn't much difference between the two sides. Neither shoots a lot and both allow a fair number of shots. The big difference is that Portland can convert even a half-chance into a goal.
FC Cincinnati vs D.C. United
The Game: FC Cincinnati vs D.C. United, Sunday, March 10, 3 PM ET
| Team | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|
| FC Cincinnati | -115 | O2.5 (-145) |
| D.C. United | +270 | U2.5 (+115) |
| Draw | +280 |
Pick: D.C. United ML (+270)
TQL Stadium was a fortress for Cincinnati last season where the Gary's put up an outstanding 10-game win streak. But this year that looks different with a 0-0 draw against a poor TFC squad to open the year. The Gary's ain't what they used to be.
Meanwhile, D.C. has hit the ground running with incredible offense (thanks to Christian Benteke) and some decent defense. They've got a good 1.6 xGA (ranks 10th) and only 17 progressive carries (ranks 2nd) to go along with the league's best offense.
Inter Miami vs CF Montreal
The Game: Inter Miami vs CF Montreal, Sunday, March 10, 5 PM
| Team | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Inter Miami | -190 | O2.5 (-170) |
| CF Montreal | +425 | U2.5 (+135) |
| Draw | +330 |
Pick: Inter Miami ML (-190)
Inter Miami pounded Orlando 5-0 last weekend and dominated on the xG scale at +2.0. The Heron's stars showed up big time with Messi and Suarez scoring a brace. I don't think Montreal can handle that kind of star power.
MTL has been "meh" to open the year. Sure they won against Dallas, but they were out-possessed and outshot. When Orlando and Montreal met just a few weeks ago, it ended in a 0-0 draw. If Montreal are on par with Orlando I feel this weekend could be a bad one for them.
