It seems that the predictions about the decline of DC soccer due to COVID-19 for the summer of 2020 were exaggerated, as both DC United and the Washington Spirit are currently participating in games.
The NWSL Challenge Cup has already commenced with the seeding play underway. On July 8th, Wednesday, the MLS is Back tournament initiated its group play. Soccer enthusiasts in and around DC are finding solace in this delightful diversion, especially for those inclined towards betting.
DC soccer lines on upcoming matches at GambetDC
On Sunday, July 12, DC United will kick off their group play in the MLS tournament against Toronto FC. Gamblers can explore a diverse range of betting options for the match through GambetDC, the DC Lottery’s online sportsbook.
In the lottery’s sports betting site, DC United is perceived as a significant underdog when it comes to the three-way moneyline market. If United manages to pull off an upset and win the game, bettors would receive a payout of +280. Interestingly, the sportsbook appears to have strong confidence in Toronto winning, as the odds for a draw in the match are identical.
The book’s prediction for the total number of goals is also positive. Currently, the standard prediction stands at 3.5 goals, and the sportsbook is offering +130 odds for the over. However, considering the decrease in scoring observed in other men’s club leagues such as Bundesliga and the English Premier League after resumption, betting on the under might be a more prudent choice.
The sportsbook offers a variety of different options for bettors to choose from, including alternate totals, spreads, variant moneylines, and props for the United match. This selection includes wagers such as predicting whether United will score more goals in the first half (+255), the second half (+155), or both halves equally (+123).
Bettors are challenged to assess various uncertainties when handicapping this match. Those contemplating placing bets must ponder the potential impact of playing on a neutral field, without any spectators, and after a three-month break on both teams.
Adding to the challenge is the limited availability of recent data. Prior to the suspension of the MLS season, both Toronto and United had only competed in two matches. These matches did not provide significant statistical differences between the two teams.
In Toronto’s case, their goal differential was +3, compared to United’s +2. Toronto managed to take 28 shots against their two opponents, whereas United only had a total of 21 shots.
Luckily for soccer bettors in DC, there is up-to-date information available on Washington. The Spirit team has already played a match this month.
Also appearing on the pitch on Sunday: DC’s NWSL club
The seeding round of the Challenge Cup tourney is almost complete for Washington, with three out of four matches already played. However, the Spirit still has one last chance to earn valuable points for their knockout stage position. Their final opportunity to do so will be on Sunday when they face off against the Houston Dash.
On Thursday morning, the Spirit was given a +160 underdog status in the three-way moneyline of GambetDC. Out of the 80 other markets available for Sunday’s match, there are a few notable ones.
The sportsbook provides a payout of +130 if Washington scores more than 1.5 goals. Additionally, bettors can earn a payout of +200 if they combine this outcome with a Spirit victory in the match.
So far in the tournament, Washington has showcased one of the most visually appealing offensive strategies. With the exception of the North Carolina Courage and Utah Royals FC, no other team has managed to produce more shots on goal.
Despite their success in creating chances, the Spirit’s goal differential stands at only +2. Although goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe has conceded only one goal thus far, Washington has only managed to convert three of their 23 shots into goals.
The upcoming challenge for them involves going up against the Dash squad, who have managed to score five times, the highest in the league. However, it is important to mention that Houston has conceded more goals than any other team in the tournament thus far.
As you wait for GambetDC to release those markets, the app already offers futures markets for your consideration on the MLS is Back tournament. Similar to the United odds for Sunday’s game, the sportsbook doesn’t have much confidence in the club.
Group and tournament outright markets on DC United
At present, the undesirable title of being the team with the least favorable chances to win Group C in the MLS is Back tournament is up for contention. Both United and the Montreal Impact are listed at +330 by GambetDC to win the group.
In order to have a chance at qualifying for the next futures market at the sportsbook, United will likely need to beat both Montreal and the New England Revolution. It’s important to note that only the top two clubs in Group C will move on to the knockouts.
Currently, GambetDC does not offer a market for United’s advancement to the knockouts. Nevertheless, odds are available for betting on DC United to emerge as the tournament winners.
At present, DC is tied with five other clubs at +3,400 as potential winners of the event. Presently, only five out of the 26 MLS clubs have higher odds. Within its group, United is on par with New England with a +3,400 line.
When taking into account all of these markets, it is essential for fans to understand that the well-being and safety of the clubs are the top priority for both tournaments. MLS had to make schedule adjustments once before, due to FC Dallas’ withdrawal caused by positive COVID-19 tests. Similarly, the NWSL had to modify its format when the Orlando Pride had to withdraw from the Challenge Cup for the same reason.
If things go according to plan, DC soccer has the potential to control the betting discussions for the remaining month. The extent to which both the Spirit and United advance will play a role, but placing bets now could be advantageous.
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