We are nearing the halfway mark of the 2024 MLS season already, and there are just a few games on the docket this week. Our highlighted matchup is Sporting Kansas City hosting the Seattle Sounders at Children’s Mercy Park. Sporting KC has not won a game in the MLS since March. Read on to access an expert Sporting KC vs Seattle Sounders prediction and explore tips and stats for MLS betting in 2024.
- Sporting Kansas City vs Seattle Sounders
- MLS Matchweek 18
- Saturday, June 8, 2024
- 8:30 PM EST
- Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, Kansas
- MLS Season Pass, Apple TV+
Sporting KC vs Seattle Sounders Prediction: Who do Sportsbooks Favor?
Sporting KC is a slight underdog at home against the 10th-ranked Seattle Sounders, with a market-best line of (+180) available at BetOnline. The visitors hope to continue the streak of success of KC’s opponents as (+158) underdogs. A draw amounts to a (+265) payout if the teams remain even after 90 minutes of play.
Want to better understand the 3-way moneyline (1X2) market? See our soccer betting tips and learn about MLS betting sites 2024.
Sporting Kansas City On Brutal Losing Streak
There hasn’t been much good news in the Sporting Kansas City camp over the past few months, as the Wizards have dropped 6 games on the bounce. Sporting KC was not anticipated to compete in the MLS postseason this year, but such a terrible run is difficult to justify in the MLS, which typically enjoys a fair bit of parity. In fact, most of their accomplishments seem to be coming from their youth programs, if you were to use their website as any indication.
Minnesota United almost blanked Sporting in their last game, jumping out to a 3-0 lead before the Wizards stopped the bleeding with a late finish from Johnny Russell. Kansas City struggled to get any shots of good quality at the net, putting up 12 strikes but only one on target, that one of course representing their only goal of the match. The match was also their 5th straight allowing multiple goals, a recipe for failure in the MLS where goals can come at a premium.
What is preventing Wizards supporters from absolute uproar may be their strong U.S. Open Cup performances. The club has advanced to the quarterfinals of the domestic cup after dominating FC Tulsa 4-0. It is certainly achievable for Sporting KC to actually hoist the trophy this year given the lack of appearances from most top-flight teams this season. Kansas City have drawn FC Dallas in their next U.S. Open Cup tie, a winnable matchup at home.
Seattle Sounders Picking Up Steam After Slow Start
It is a semi-international break as there are plenty of friendlies scheduled in preparation of continental tournaments, as well as the Summer Olympics in Paris. World Cup qualifying is also taking place in various regions around the world. These games should not considerably affect either team involved in this weekend’s game, however.
Coming off a 2nd-place finish in the Western Conference, Seattle has underwhelmed in the beginning half of the 2024 campaign. Seattle had only one win to show for themselves after 9 matches to begin the year. They have turned things around after that slow start, however, going unbeaten in their last 3 games. In fact, the Sounders have lost just once since April 27 when they fell to DC United on the road after an early red card.
Seattle, along with Kansas City, was one of the few teams to participate in the U.S. Open Cup. Unsurprisingly, they still remain in the hunt for the domestic trophy after qualifying for the quarterfinals on May 22. They will play USL-side Sacramento Republic FC for a spot in the final four in July. They must not look past Sporting KC this weekend, though, as this weekend’s match is a great opportunity to improve their standing in the conference.
Seattle is on the outside looking in at the moment, sitting 10th in the conference as the top 9 earn playoff spots upon completion of the season. 10 wins is usually the mark required to continue your season come October, so Seattle’s 4 at this point trail that pace at the moment.
Sporting KC vs Seattle Sounders Prediction and Free MLS Betting Pick
Form is crucial in soccer, and there is no form worse than Sporting Kansas City’s on the heels of 5 straight losses. Two of these losses have taken place at Children’s Mercy Park, a stadium known for its loud support of the Wizards. Yet they will need all the help they can get from their fans this weekend, as Seattle are starting to look more and more formidable as the season progresses.
The current line indicates Seattle is only a slight favorite over their lowly opponents, but this number does not seem to factor in Seattle’s stronger performances. Perhaps it is rather unassuming; Seattle has lost once, won once, and drawn twice in their last 4 after all. But I think if this does not end in a draw, it is more likely that Seattle wins than Sporting KC. Therefore, I will advocate for a half unit wager on the Sounders in the Draw No Bet market.
Top Sportsbooks for MLS Betting
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