After nine months, 407 matches and 1,297 goals scored, the 2018 MLS season comes to a close on December 8th with Atlanta United hosting Portland Timbers.
Atlanta United have home-field advantage in the final and they were responsible for the highest average attendance this year at more than 53,000 fans per game. They've been one of the top favorites to win the Cup the entire season and dominated both New York clubs in the postseason. Striker Josef Martinez was also recently named the league's MVP with a record-setting 31 regular season goals, and he's added three more in the postseason.
Portland boasted the season's longest unbeaten streak at fifteen matches, spanning nearly four months from April to August. They then pulled off upsets in the playoffs against FC Dallas, Seattle Sounders and Sporting KC in thrilling fashion to reach the final.
These teams have played twice in their history, both finishing in 1-1 draws. Neither club is missing any players from suspension, and Portland is expected to get Larrys Mabiala back from an ankle injury.
Here's a look at opening odds for MLS Cup 2018 via Westgate.
To Lift the Trophy
Atlanta United FC -500
Portland Timbers +375
Three-Way Moneyline (Regulation Time Only)
Atlanta United FC -200
Portland Timbers +550
Draw +325
Total (Regulation Time Only)
Over 3 (+110)
Under 3 (-130)
This should be an enticing game to bet on, and the market should get solid action on both Atlanta United and Portland.
Odds are high enough for the public to take a chance on the Timbers, while -200 isn't too steep to pay for Atlanta United winning at home.
As of Thursday (12/6) afternoon, just over half the bets has come in on Atlanta United to push the line up to -225, while another 40% has been placed on Portland. Despite the love for the Timbers, they've fallen from +550 to +660.
As is the case in most finals, public bettors are completely avoiding the draw, responsible for just 5% of all wagers. This is always something to keep an eye on since MLS Cup can be tied after 90 minutes of regulation.
Prop Bets and Odds
Both Teams to Score
Yes -120
No -110
Clean Sheet
Atlanta United +105
Portland Timbers +500
Correct Score
Atlanta United 1-0 (+600)
Atlanta United 2-0 (+650)
Atlanta United 2-1 (+750)
Atlanta United 3-0 (+900)
Atlanta United 3-1 (+1000)
Atlanta United 3-2 (+2200)
Atlanta United 4-0 (+1800)
Atlanta United 4-1 (+2000)
Draw 0-0 (+1000)
Draw 1-1 (+700)
Draw 2-2 (+1400)
Draw 3-3 (+5000)
Portland Timbers 1-0 (+1400)
Portland Timbers 2-0 (+2800)
Portland Timbers 2-1 (+1400)
Portland Timbers 3-0 (+5000)
Portland Timbers 3-1 (+5000)
Portland Timbers 3-2 (+4000)
Portland Timbers 4-0 (+20000)
Portland Timbers 4-1 (+12500)
Half-time / Full-time Results
Atlanta United / Atlanta United (+120)
Atlanta United / Draw (+1400)
Atlanta United / Portland Timbers (+5000)
Draw / Atlanta United (+300)
Draw / Draw (+500)
Draw / Portland Timbers (+1200)
Portland Timbers / Atlanta United (+2000)
Portland Timbers / Draw (+1400)
Portland Timbers / Portland Timbers (+1000)
Method of Victory
Atlanta United in 90 Minutes (-205)
Atlanta United in Extra Time (+850)
Atlanta United on Penalties (+1400)
Portland Timbers in 90 Minutes (+500)
Portland Timbers in Extra Time (+2200)
Portland Timbers on Penalties (+1400)
Penalty Kick Awarded
Yes +260
No -350
Time of First Goal
Start to 10th Minute (+300)
11th to 20th Minute (+375)
21st to 30th Minute (+450)
31st to 40th Minute (+600)
41st to 50th Minute (+700)
51st to 60th Minute (+1200)
61st to 70th Minute (+1600)
71st to 80th Minute (+2000)
81st to Full Time (+2200)
No Goal Scored (+1000)
Total Corners
Over 9½ (-130)
Under 9½ (+100)
MLS Cup 2018 Odds
Atlanta United are huge favorites to lift the trophy, boasted by their home turf and overall superiority to Portland. However, the Timbers have proven they can show up and surprise teams in the underdog role, and this matchup should be full of excitement.
Portland's highest odds to win reached +2750 in April and were +900 heading into the second leg of the Western Conference Final at Sporting KC.
Atlanta United were one of the favorites throughout the season, and odds only peaked at +600 (~15% probability). They had the edge to host the final almost all year long due to their hot start and point accumulation.
