FC Cincinnati vs. Seattle Sounders: MLS Odds & Best Bets
The most anticipated matchup of MLS Week 3 is the blazing Seattle Sounders versus the high-powered offense of FC Cincinnati. This weekend’s matchup will set the bar for both conferences.
Neither team was one of the original clubs when MLS was founded in 1996. Instead, both clubs are expansion teams. Seattle had their first MLS match in 2009, and FC Cincinnati played theirs in 2019.
FC Cincinnati will open the doors to the TQL Stadium for about 26,000 fans on Saturday. Everyone in the stands will be waiting for one of the two potentially world-class strikers to score a goal. Brandon Vazquez and Brenner could be the best strikers in MLS, so this dynamic duo is one many fans all over the league will be watching.
A Fight of Two Powerhouses
FC Cincinnati was the surprise team of the 2022 season, finishing the year as the fourth-highest scoring team in MLS. Cincinnati made the playoffs and upset the New York Red bulls in the first round before losing in the conference semis to Philadelphia Union.
The Seattle Sounders, meanwhile, were in the middle of the pack with 47 goals, finishing 18th. Seattle has made it a priority lately to bring in viable reinforcements to be able to give their starters more rest. The team that wears blue and orange will be looking to use their momentum from last season to propel them to an even higher placement at the end of this season.
Under coach Pat Noonan, FC Cincinnati likes to play direct with their two bruising strikers. With these two goon-bodied players up top, Cincinnati can score in a matter of seconds with a cross whipped in from anywhere on the pitch. This tactic makes Cincinnati a hard team to beat.
The Return of the Peruvian Goalscorer
The Sounders are looking to make up for production from Heber, as it was recently reported that he would miss this game and be out for up to four weeks. Instead, Raul Ruidiaz will be in Heber’s role and take over the team’s offensive duties. Even with the crazy goal production from Herber, Ruidiaz is still the starter in Seattle when healthy.
When the Sounders won the CONCACAF Champions League last year, Ruidiaz was indispensable for Seattle. Nicknamed “Little Messi” in Peru, Ruidiaz is already the Sounders’ all-time leading goalscorer. Look for him to get the attention of Cincinnati’s defense and wreak havoc, as he has done for multiple years for the Rave Green.
FC Cincinnati vs. Seattle Sounders Analysis
This matchup will be the first time the Sounders will play at TQL Stadium in Cincy.
These two teams have played each other a total of two times. Seattle has the better record so far with a win and a draw, so the Sounders have yet to lose to FC Cincy.
In last year’s matchup, the game ended in a 1-1 draw at Lumen Field.
Game Prediction
Cincinnati has not gotten a goal from their best players yet as Brenner, Brandon Vazquez and Luciano Acosta are all scoreless so far. Look for that to change this match and for one of those prolific offensive players to get on the board early. Seattle has a weak spot in their back line, so Vazquez or Brenner will take advantage to score.
Even though Cincinnati has only given up one goal in the last two games, look for this matchup to be high-scoring as both offenses break out.
Final Score Prediction: FC Cincinnati 2 – Seattle Sounders 2
Betting Matchup Overview
Game Details
- Who: FC Cincinnati vs. Seattle Sounders (Major League Soccer)
- When: Saturday, March 11, 2023
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Where: TQL Stadium (Cincinnati, OH)
Betting Odds Summary
- Match Result Regular Time: FC Cincinnati +105, Tie +250, Seattle Sounders +230
- Both Teams to Score: Yes -165, No +115
- Total: Over/Under 2.5 Goals in Regular Time (-145/+105)
Player Props: Anytime Goalscorer
- Brandon Vazquez: +175
- Brenner: +175
- Sergio Santos: +188
- Raul Ruidiaz: +200
- Jordan Morris: +240
Player Prop Bets: FC Cincinnati vs. Seattle Sounders
Brandon Vazquez and Brenner (both +175 anytime goalscorer odds) are the players from whom everyone is waiting to see some goals. With both players scoring 18 goals last year, it’s only a matter of time before they find the back of the net. These players have the same profile that causes Seattle trouble on defense, so look for one to get on the scoresheet, if not both.
Raul Ruidiaz (+200 to score) is also a playable prop bet, as he will look to score in his first start of the 2023 MLS season. A player with his reputation is as close to a surefire beat as possible. Ruidiaz has scored against FC Cincinnati before as well.
Best Bets: FC Cincinnati vs. Seattle Sounders
- Match Result: FC Cincinnati +105, Tie +250, Seattle Sounders +230
We recommend backing the draw (+250), as both teams have many offensive pieces that can easily tie up this match if things become unbalanced. This contest will be one of the best stalemates of the 2023 season.
- Total: Over/Under 2.5 Goals in Regular Time (-145/+105)
The Over (-145) is the play here. Both teams have some of the most exciting players in MLS who are destined to have a moment of brilliance and end up on the scoresheet in this match. Both teams are also missing a defensive starter, which should make it easier for both sides to score. These teams will look shaky in the back, as the offensive talent will be too much to handle.
