We are on the final stretch of the regular MLS season, and for some of the teams, we are down to the last five matches, so it is time to put in their best effort as they try to make sure they will reach the postseason.
So is the case of the hosts for one of tomorrow’s matches, Toronto FC, who are in the 8th place on the board and are two points away from a straight spot in the postseason. However, in front, they have a great challenge in the defending champions Columbus Crew.
The visitors are fighting with nails and teeth to enter the top two in the East, so this match is key for both sides.
Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew Betting Odds and Info
Toronto FC 3.42 | Columbus Crew 1.99 | Draw Offs: 3.9 |
When? | Wednesday, September 18 at 7:30 PM ET, 6:30 PM CST, 5:30 PM MT, and 4:30 PM PT |
Where? | BMO Field |
Where can I watch it? | MLS Season Pass on Apple TV |
Why Bet on Toronto FC?
Toronto is on an eleven-win, three draws, and 15 losses run, so they must try to get as many points as possible, with their number of defeats being pretty detrimental in case of a tie.
Many have wondered when their season will collapse this year, but to their credit, the Canadians keep finding a way to stay above that postseason line. Let’s remember that the team failed to qualify since 2020, so their season has been surprising in a good way.
With five matches remaining, they are in a tricky situation. They are just two points below Charlotte FC for a top-seven place and an automatic berth in the first round of the postseason. However, the three teams below the playoff line (Atlanta United, the Philadelphia Union, and CF Montreal) each have a game in hand on them.
Why Bet on Columbus Crew?
The visitors will lock a spot on the podium sooner or later. They have 14 wins, eight draws, and five losses, allowing them to keep a seven-point lead over the NY Red Bulls with two games less. Also, they are two points below local rivals Cincinnati with a match in hand, so the ball is on their turf to assault the top two.
A slow start to September has significantly reduced Columbus’ chances of claiming the Supporters’ Shield for the fourth time in club history. They are on a two-match winless run. Wilfried Nancy’s men have failed to score in successive league contests, putting them 12 points behind Inter Miami for first overall with only seven matches remaining.
Still, that is not something that bothers them too much, as in the last year, they have shown to be a fearsome side in cup competitions, winning the MLS Cup and Leagues Cup in quick succession. Another participation in a final with quick success could establish this as the most glorious period in the history of the franchise.
Despite only claiming one point in their Hell is Real Derby with Cincinnati this past weekend, it was enough for Columbus to officially clinch a spot in the MLS Cup playoffs on consecutive occasions for the first time since 2017 and 2018.
Final Betting Analysis: Toronto FC vs. Columbus Crew
These teams have played in 45 opportunities. Toronto won 12 times, Columbus 19, and there were 14 draws. The Canadians have not won since 2021, when they did so 2-0 at home. Since then, there have been five victories for the Crew and a draw.
The Crew are rarely held in check, as we saw on Saturday, but they always seem to come back determined after a rough outing or two. We expect them to take out their scoring frustrations on a leaky Toronto backline.
Go for a 1-3 victory for the visitors.
Go for a win for Columbus at 1.99. If you bet $100 at such odds, you could get $99 for a total payout of $199.