Best Bets for MLS Week 19 | OneFootball

The Designated Pundits break down their MLS bet slips each week LIVE on YouTube. You can catch the replay on YouTube, Spotify with video, and your favorite podcast app. In this article, I discuss a few plays which I think should be MLS Week 19 Best Bets.

Join us LIVE on Thursday, July 30sth at 8:45 PM ET (HERE)

Red Bull New York hosts Orlando City

Orlando TT O1.5 -122

This week as Orlando City heads to Sports Illustrated Stadium, it seems tough to think of the first week of 2026.  It seems like a lifetime ago when Michael Bradley shocked MLS by starting the youngest lineup in MLS history while winning 2-1.  RBNY had 4.64 xG in that match, while Orlando had 2.41 xG. 

Since the World Cup break, Orlando added Antoine Griezmann and Daryl Dike to their attack, while Red Bull spent time getting healthy and experimenting at backline with Justin Che and Julian Bazan. 

That duo for RBNY has not quite gelled yet, and the Adri Mehmeti suspension adds stress to an already breakable backline.  When Orlando does their through-ball attack, I can see them breaking down this inexperienced backline.  Two goals for Orlando City will get us a hit on -122 odds, which I think is good considering RBNY have conceded 37 times in 17 matches, and exactly 2 goals per game at home this season. 

Philadelphia Union host Atlanta United

Philadelphia Union -1.5 +172

My next MLS Week 19 Best Bet features the Philadelphia Union, who have 2 wins since the World Cup break ended, which gives them 6 of their 13 points from the 2026 season. As they slowly work their way up the standings from last place, it is hard for me not to look at them with optimism.  After all, they certainly were not ranked pre-season as MLS Wooden Spoon contenders. 

This week, the Union host Atlanta United, against whom they have a 3-2-1 record in their last 6 matches. Their aggression should serve them well against Atlanta, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see at least one bad error leading to a goal (playing-out-the-back turnover, maybe?). 

Philadelphia hasn’t beaten any team this season by more than a goal, but I see this as their golden opportunity.  Atlanta could again be without Latte Lath, who was suspected to have been benched during trade rumors. Deduct a goal for Atlanta. Meanwhile, Atlanta could start rolling out a new look defense with Junior Alonso and Paulo Diaz, their two free July transfers. 

The lack of Atlanta attack, and lack of cohesive defense, along with a Philadelphia Union playing with confidence has me thinking Philly will win big.  At +172, Philadelphia -1.5 goals is my long shot of the week. 

Sporting KC host Houston Dynamo

Houston TT U1.5 -106

For the first time in years, I think it is hard NOT to be high on Houston.  They are 6-2-2 in their last ten matches, and just won a huge Copa Tejas game against rivals Austin FC by a convincing 3-0 scoreline. 

However, let’s put things in perspective.  Houston is losing the xG battle this season, even at home.  They have just two wins by more than a goal this season, and are headed to a very unpredictable Sporting KC. 

Sporting KC has allowed an average of 1.88 goals at home this season, while Houston scored 1.57 goals per game away. I don’t think it is a stretch to consider Houston improved, Austin’s defense a mess, and that 3-0 scoreline to be an aberration.  Since I live in a world where all three of those are true, I have a wager on Houston under 1.5 goals at -106. 

This is Houston’s first away match since the World Cup break, and we will get a lot of answers about their form moving forward.  

Minnesota United hosts San Diego FC

Minnesota Double Chance & Under 3.5 +115

The Loons have been in shocking form this season: starting weak before a 5-1 spring awakening, then most recently going 0-3-3 in their last 6 matches.  This week, they pair up with San Diego FC who have been consistently poor in 2026. 

My sports model shows SDFC with just a 26.1% chance at victory, with a 79+% chance that the total is under 3.5 goals.  Combining those plays at +115, when it should be closer to -140, gives us a huge advantage on the sportsbook. 

Minnesota United was known in 2025 for having the best set-piece play in the world, and I think that could contribute here.  When all else fails, Minnesota can flurry SDFC with corners and possibly sneak a winner late. Minnesota win or draw and under 3.5 goals is the official play.  It is a sneaky little parlay that makes its way into my MLS Week 19 Best Bets.

St. Louis City hosts Real Salt Lake

St. Louis City +110

This weekend we see St. Louis City hosting Real Salt Lake, and STLC head into the post-World Cup MLS Era as the hottest team around.  They are 6-1-0 without a loss in seven straight.  They are home again, and I think they roll over RSL. 

Real Salt Lake has a lot of talent, but haven’t put together a road performance this season. Their only win is a 3-2 win at Atlanta, which isn’t even a Western Conference team, nor are they a serious one. 

RSL is 1-2-5 on the road with a -6 goal differential, and will face STLC without DP Guilavogui who will be suspended after a silly red card last match. The young RSL team could also be without veteran lynchpin Justin Glad, another strike against the struggling road side. 

St. Louis City is a bit curious as to how they are winning games.  They have Marcel Hartel with 5 goals and 3 assists, and no other player with more than 6 goal contributions.  They have 14 goal scorers and a 15th player with one assist.

I don’t know how they continue to do it, but everyone needs to tune in and watch more St. Louis City. Here, I think they get a home win on the mismatch. 

Portland Timbers host Seattle Sounders

Portland Timbers +100

The last of my MLS Week 19 Best Bets is in the Portland Timbers vs Seattle Sounders rivalry match. While the Seattle Sounders’ supporters are usually the unbearable ones, there is a lot of noise coming from their rivals, the Portland Timbers, this season.  Portland just signed forward Vincent Janssen, likely to replace Felipe Mora who had a beautiful swan song last match. 

Did I mention Portland beat Seattle 5-1 in Seattle to resume play after the World Cup break?  Because they won’t let you forget. 

Seattle is down hard with injuries, and already showed Portland could be a mismatch.  I love Velde in this match to score, and I like Portland on the team total over 1.5 goals.  However, let’s not complicate the play.  Portland to win at +100 is my last official play of this matchday. 

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