Raphael Durand
Dailysports's expert
One of the fixtures on the latest MLS matchday will take place this Sunday at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, where the local Colorado Rapids host Orlando City. I’m offering a bet on the outcome of this match with an appealing odds value.
Match preview
Colorado Rapids are going through a rough patch this season — the team is clearly struggling both in attack and defense. In their last five matches, they’ve managed just two wins and suffered three defeats, with their most recent game against Austin (0-2) providing a stark illustration of their current weaknesses. After 17 MLS rounds, the Rapids have netted only 18 goals while conceding 24, reflecting a lack of creativity up front and lapses in concentration at the back.
Home form has been underwhelming: 4 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses. Head coach Robin Fraser emphasizes organized defending, but the lack of attacking consistency is preventing the team from climbing the table. Sitting ninth in the Western Conference, Colorado urgently needs points, but their upcoming opponent is far from an easy matchup.
Orlando City approaches the clash with greater confidence and a legitimate playoff push. Despite two defeats in their last five outings, the squad is in decent form and currently sits eighth with 27 points. Oscar Pareja’s men have scored 31 goals and play an attack-minded style, focusing on quick transitions and a mobile front line.
On the road, the Lions have looked solid: two wins, four draws, and two losses. Despite a recent setback against Chicago Fire (1-3), Orlando remains the favorite thanks to a potent attack and a favorable head-to-head record against Colorado. The team needs points to strengthen its position in the top 10 and edge closer to the playoff zone.
Probable lineups
- Colorado Rapids: Steffen, Abubakar, Maxsø, Cannon, Vines, Ronan, Larraz, Rosenberry, Mihailovic, Cabral, Navarro
- Orlando City: Gallese; Freeman, Schlegel, Jansson, Brekalo; Pašalić, Atuesta, Araújo, Angulo; McGuire, Muriel
Match facts and head-to-head
- The most recent head-to-head ended with an Orlando City win, 3-2.
- In the last five MLS games, Orlando has won three times, Colorado just once.
- The "Over 2.5 goals" bet has landed in three of the last five meetings.
Prediction
Given the current form and head-to-head stats, backing Orlando City to win (odds of 2.32) looks justified. Pareja’s side play dynamic football and handle lower-table teams with confidence, while the Rapids are still searching for stability. Our recommended bet for this match is "Orlando City to win with (0) handicap" at odds of 1.70.
