It’s a big one.
For a second, just forget about the last few months. Forget what sport it is, too. Instead, focus on this: Two undefeated teams are playing to decide first place and who receives better playoff seeding.
That alone should be enough.
And that’s exactly what the Philadelphia Union — Pennsylvania’s only Major League Soccer team — is facing in its game Monday night against Orlando City SC. Both teams are a perfect 2-0 in pool play of the MLS is Back tournament. A knockout round will follow pool play. And right now, Orlando has a slight edge in goal differential.
So it’s a big game. Even if you’re not a die-hard soccer fan, this one is worth watching. And perhaps wagering on too.
Let’s take a deeper look at the Philadelphia-Orlando soccer showdown airing Monday night at 8 p.m. on ESPN.
Philadelphia Union favored in Group A clash
Philadelphia and Orlando are in a gridlock of Group A of the MLS is Back tournament. Both teams have gone 2-0 in pool play with wins over Inter Miami CF and New York City FC. The only difference is Orlando has a goal differential of three, while Philadelphia’s is two. And now, they meet each other.
Philadelphia is a slight favorite at BetRivers, PlaySugarHouse and DraftKings Sportsbook, with a moneyline of +140. Orlando is +170, and a tie is +255. The game’s total (over/under) is set at 2.5.
FOX Bet and FanDuel Sportsbook have different pricing, so bettors would be wise to shop around.
BetRivers offering more than 200 wagers on Monday night’s game
If you’re looking to do some MLS wagering Monday night, BetRivers and PlaySugarHouse have provided plenty of options. There are almost 250 bets posted for the Philadelphia-Orlando game, including total corners, correct score, half-time/full-time betting and more.
Wagers on first/last and anytime goal scorers are also available. At press time, Philadelphia Union forward Kacper Przybylko is the favorite to be the first and last goal scorer at +430. His line to score at any point in the game is +133. Behind him are fellow Union forward Andrew Wooten and Union midfielder Sergio Santos. Both of those players are +575 (and +195 as an anytime scorer).
Goal-scoring lines are available on most of the players in Monday’s game, including some who could bring a healthy return. Bettors who are seeking longer odds may want to consider those wagers.
DraftKings MLS Showdown pays out $10K to first
One other option for wagering on Monday night’s big soccer matchup is a daily fantasy showdown contest. Players must choose one captain who receives 1.5 times their fantasy score and five other players who earn traditional fantasy soccer points. The entire roster must fit under the salary cap.
And at DraftKings, the $11 entry MLS Showdown Starting XI features a prize pool of $35K and a top prize of ten grand. Second place earns $3,500 and third receives $2,000.
A big Philadelphia game is welcome news for Pennsylvania
However you look at it, Monday night’s game is a big one.
Two undefeated teams. With first place up for grabs. And playoff seeding on the line.
Maybe it’s not your favorite sport or one of Philadelphia’s most notable teams. But it’s all very simple.
It’s a big game worth watching.
And perhaps wagering on too.