MLS Betting Preview: LA Galaxy vs. Columbus Crew

Being that they are two of the oldest franchises in the history of Major League Soccer, the Columbus Crew and Los Angeles Galaxy have played several times over the years. When it comes to their previous five matchups, Columbus and Los Angeles are dead even. Both teams have picked up two victories and on one occasion they played to a draw. 

In their most recent matchup it was Columbus that prevailed after a hard fought 90 minutes of MLS regular season action in 2019. The final score ended 3-1 in favor of the Crew. The two franchises met every season from 2015-2019 and traded wins and losses. In total there have been fourteen goals scored in the last five matches with eight of them coming from Los Angeles and six from Columbus. 

Recent Performance

The Columbus Crew are coming off of a draw over the weekend against Orlando City. They led for the majority of the contest before two late goals allowed Orlando City to come back and steal points away from Columbus at home. Columbus now has two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five games. They currently find themselves in the middle of the table in the Eastern Conference playoff race. 

The Los Angeles Galaxy are coming off of a victory on Sunday over the San Jose Earthquakes by a score of 2-1. They have now picked up two consecutive victories in multiple competitions. The victory over San Jose was a much needed victory for them in domestic league play, as they had lost six out of their last seven games prior to Sunday’s victory. Los Angeles now has three wins and two losses in their last five games.

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Stats

Columbus averages nearly three goals a game this season when they are playing at home. Meanwhile, Los Angeles averages around two goals a game this season when they are playing on the road, however it is worth noting they have been shut out on the road four times. 

Los Angeles scores more than one goal when playing away from home this year 60% of the time. Columbus has scored at least two goals a game in all of their home games this year. 

Columbus gives up an average of less than one goal a game when playing at home this season. Los Angeles concedes nearly two goals per game when playing on the road this season. 

Columbus gives up one goal at least 67% of the time when playing at home this year. Los Angeles has given up at least two goals in 60% of road games this season. 33% of the time Columbus holds opponents scoreless at home and 40% of the time Los Angeles holds opponents scoreless on the road. 

Columbus has outscored Los Angeles 21-10 in terms of goals this season, as the Galaxy have struggled to find the back of the net throughout the year. Meanwhile Los Angeles has conceded four more goals than Columbus this season (18-14) heading into this midweek matchup. 

Top Players

Lucas Zelarayan is the leading scorer for Columbus with four goals in nine matches this season. Alexandru Matan leads the Crew in assists so far this season with five of them in nine games. 

Dejan Joveljic is the leading scorer for Los Angeles with two goals in ten matches this season. Dejan Joveljic also leads the Galaxy in assists so far this season with two of them in ten games.

My Pick

Much like last weekend the odds favor the Columbus Crew. However, they have been a bit disappointing throughout the last several weeks. But, I expect them to turn it around in this one and grab themselves a much needed victory at home. 

My Pick: Columbus Crew moneyline