The MLS season has just got underway and now is the ideal time to look ahead to the new season with our MLS Cup futures picks. Last year we saw an exhilarating finale to the season, with Los Angeles FC winning a stunning final to land their first ever MLS Cup. Can LAFC retain the trophy? Let’s take a closer look with our MLS picks.
Los Angeles FC are the defending champs, having defeated the Philadelphia Union 3-0 on penalties after playing out an unbelievable 3-3 draw over 120 minutes in last season’s final.
And it’s the same two teams that lead the way with the best online sportsbooks to win the competition this year. LAFC are the favorites at +450, with the Philadelphia Union next at +650. There is then a bit of a gap in the betting before we get to NYCFC, who are the third favorites at +1200, and the LA Galaxy who are next at +1300.
The regular-season kicked off on February 25th, and runs until October 21st, with the postseason playoffs following shortly afterwards. The top seven teams from both the Eastern and Western Conferences will qualify for the postseason competition.
Below, we’ve put together our MLS Cup winner odds table, where you will find the latest odds from the best MLS soccer betting sites.
| 2023 MLS Cup Winner Betting |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles FC | +450 | +450 | +450 |
| Philadelphia Union | +650 | +650 | +650 |
| New York City FC | +1000 | +1100 | +1000 |
| LA Galaxy | +1200 | +1200 | +1300 |
| Austin | +1400 | +1400 | +1400 |
| Nashville SC | +1600 | +1600 | +1600 |
| New York Red Bulls | +1700 | +1800 | +1800 |
| Seattle | +1750 | +1800 | +1800 |
| Inter Miami | +1800 | +1900 | +1800 |
The Philadelphia Union only finished 2 points ahead of CF Montreal in last year’s regular-season table. But that didn’t really tell the true story as the Union looked by a long way the best side in this conference last season. That said, the table doesn’t lie, and over the course of a season, Montreal did enough to get as close as they did to Jim Curtin’s side.
This may be a reflection of the Union’s performances in general last season, as they also fell agonizingly short in the MLS Cup final. Maybe it’s a sign that the team struggles to get over the line? But on the flip side, it’s another year of near misses for Philadelphia. And along with their controversial season end in 2021, the Union now has a well of experience to draw from when they get to the business end of the season in 2023.
Moving forward, the team has largely kept 2022’s roster of players together, and they are another year wiser for their experiences.
The Union’s main rivals in the Eastern Conference is likely to be Montreal again, along with the two New York sides. It will also be interesting to see how Inter Miami get on after their remarkable turnaround in form in the 2022 season.
At +650 to win the MLS Cup, the Union represents good value to make up for last season’s near miss. In the betting to win the conference they are a bit short, so maybe just backing them to win the MLS Cup is a better value pick.
And if we’re hedging bets, then why not Nashville SC? Yes, they’ve switched conferences yet again. But they’re a hard working team, and with Hany Mukhtar up front, they always have a puncher’s chance. Nashville at +1600 are a team to follow this season and are worth placing a side wager on to win the MLS Cup.
Los Angeles FC were widely regarded as the best team in the MLS last season. A theory backed up by Steve Cherundolo’s team becoming the first since Toronto in 2017 to win both the Supporters Shield and the MLS Cup in the same season.
Heading into the final, LAFC were the favorites to win the top rated sportsbooks. But Philadelphia clearly didn’t read the script, and on the day LA could consider themselves extremely lucky to have won.
But the fact that Los Angeles still managed to win the final shows they have the ability to win whilst not at their best. A skill that all top sides are equipped with. And those without, would love to have!
LAFC have lost Gareth Bale, and although he didn’t do a great deal in his short stint on the west coast, he showed his big game ability when scoring the equalizer in the 9th minute of stoppage time in extra-time of the final, taking the tie to penalties.
But at +450 with the best soccer betting sites, we’re not sure that LAFC are a good value bet to repeat the feat. They are capable, but that doesn’t make them a worthwhile bet.
Elsewhere in the Western Conference, Austin FC had a much improved 2022 and if they can continue that growth into 2023, then at +1400 Austin will be a worthwhile pick to win the MLS Cup.
We all know things can change quickly in soccer, but as things stand the LA Galaxy seem to be on a downward spiral. The fans are in revolt, and if that transmits onto the pitch, it could become toxic very quickly. Avoid at all costs for the foreseeable future!
About the Author
Over the last 10 years, Dean has sharpened his expertise in crafting and revising content for his soccer and cricket betting platforms. Driven by his passion for sports betting and writing, he embarked on a journey of writing about sports wagering. Although Dean's preferred areas of focus are the English Premier League and cricket, his extensive sports knowledge enables him to tackle nearly any sport. Gone are the days of traveling the world to witness events like FIFA World Cups and Ashes cricket, as Dean now prefers the comfort of his own home while enjoying sports.
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