- In the quarterfinals of the MLS is Back tournament, Orlando City (+300 odds) looks to keep the dream alive as they take on huge favorites LAFC (-140).
- Orlando attempts to continue their deep run into the tournament by continuing to play above expectations.
- However, LAFC is one of the best clubs in the league and is set on proving that after a 4-1 drubbing of last year’s champion Seattle.
ORLANDO, Fla. – The MLS is Back tournament continues on into its quarterfinal games on Friday night when Orlando City SC faces Los Angeles FC.
This match features two teams with vastly different results in recent history. LAFC is one of the strongest clubs in MLS and won the supporters shield in 2019. Orlando City finished second to last in the East in 2019 and has yet to make the playoffs in the clubs five years in MLS.
However, things are very different in the bubble, and this match has the potential to be one of the best of the entire tournament.
While both teams are excited for one of the biggest matches of the year so far, there is also plenty of opportunities all over this match for soccer bettors to capitalize on.
Orlando City vs. LAFC – 7/31/20 – 7:30 p.m. EST
- Orlando City +300
- Los Angeles FC -140
- Draw +335
- Over/Under 3, 3.5
While this matchup is pretty lopsided on the betting board, many are believing that this one could be much closer than anticipated.
Both teams have shown their significant strengths and weaknesses so far in the tournament to make it to this point, but only one can move on the semifinals.
Orlando City
Orlando City is currently experiencing one of the best stretches of play in club history. After their 1-0 win in the Round of 16, OCSC completed their fourth straight match without a loss, including three wins and 10 points on the table.
Orlando City’s back to back wins in the group stage was the clubs first consecutive victories in over two years.
While that stat is a little sad, it is also optimistic for fans of the team that has only floundered in their first five years in the MLS.
Now, the team looks rejuvenated behind former Manchester United star Nani and will look to take down one of the top teams in MLS in one of the biggest games in the club's history to date. Orlando City has always had one of the strongest fan bases since joining the league, and it is nice to see those most loyal being finally rewarded with a sprinkle of success, even if they can’t be in attendance.
No slowing down. Just speeding up. #ORLvLAFC | #VamosOrlando pic.twitter.com/TugcemA6xp
— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) July 30, 2020
Orlando City’s best chance in this one will be behind their strong defensive line. Newly acquired center back Robin Jansson has been a commander in the defensive third and will need to be on his best to stop a deadly LAFC attack.
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Orlando will look to counter-attack with Nani, and tournament star Chris Mueller, who has been a disruptor on the attack since the restart.
Los Angeles FC
LAFC heads into this matchup as a massive favorite over the purple lions, and for good reason. LAFC has suffered just one loss in their last 14 MLS matches, winning six and drawing seven.
After winning the supporters shield for having the most points in the regular season in 2019, hopes were high for this LAFC team even before the tournament. Now, after their dominant 4-1 win against the 2019 MLS Cup Champion Seattle Sounders, LAFC has all the confidence they need and more heading into this matchup.
LAFC likes to score and doesn’t mind letting in a few goals as long as they have more after 90 minutes. All but one of their last nine MLS matches have gone over 3.5 total goals, and they have only kept one clean sheet in their last 16 games.
LAFC also can score early, as the opening goal has been scored in the first 15 minutes in each of LAFC’s tournament matches so far.
The key for LAFC will be Diego Rossi, who’s in form play has led to his eight goals scored across the last five matches.
Betting Analysis
While LAFC is getting the massive number here, this match could end up being much closer than the online sportsbooks anticipate.
LAFC plays an attack-first brand of football that is high powered but leaves room for counters. Orlando City excels on the counter-attack, where roughly half of their goals have come from in this tournament.
If Orlando can keep the score low and wait for the right opportunity to strike, they could pull off the upset and score the biggest win in club history.
Nevertheless, the threat of LAFC to blow to game wide open is always prevalent. While Orlando City has been playing great, they could always return to the mean at any moment and be sent packing.
With that in mind, soccer bettors need to consider whether they want the bad value on a favorite in a tough matchup or to back the dreamers and cash-in on potential double money.
While LAFC is the justifiable favorite here, Orlando City has too much of a chance at too big of a number to be ignored.
PICK: Orlando City +300 (3-2)
Jimmy Reinman honed his skills across various mediums including print, radio, and broadcast before bringing his arsenal of knowledge to the team here at USAOnlineSportsbooks in 2020. When he’s not writing, you can find him in a state of focused stress on any College Football Saturday, or maniacally constructing NBA parlays on a cool spring evening.
