Seattle at Philadelphia - Saturday
Recommendation: Under 2 and 2.5 (-123)
Last season Philadelphia had the second worst defense in the league conceding 49 goals. The main objective in the offseason was to improve the defense with the additions of Carlos Valdes and goalie Faryd Mondragon. So far they’ve made an impact as the Union lead the league in fewest goals allowed with only one through four games. Not only have the two additions paid off but it appears that the team has taken a more defensive approach by keeping several players back.
Perhaps as a result of the defensive focus, Philadelphia’s offense has sputtered. They are second to last in the league in goals scored with three and are last in both total shots taken and shots on goal (2.5 SOG per game).
Seattle’s offense has played well the last few weeks without Freddy Montero but it’s hard to see the goal scoring streak continuing this week against a defense that is playing so well. Although the Sounders defense has been inconsistent at times this season they’ve typically had one of the better units in the MLS. With all four Union games going under the total fairly easily and Seattle’s best offensive option likely to sit this one out, this looks like another great opportunity for the under.
