The 2023 Major League Soccer (MLS) season gets underway on February 25th. Having clinched both the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup last season, Los Angeles FC will be the team to beat this year.
Unsurprisingly, LAFC tops the bookmakers’ opening 2023 MLS Cup odds, but there are plenty of other teams that will fancy their chances of lifting the trophy this season.
After analyzing the top contenders and discussing a couple of potential sleepers, I will provide my recommended 2023 MLS Cup betting pick. Read on to find out what I think.
Top Contenders for the 2023 MLS Cup
Los Angeles FC (+450)
Los Angeles FC secured the 2022 Supporters’ Shield in style, winning 21 of their 34 regular-season games. After that, Steve Cherundolo’s side dispatched LA Galaxy and Austin FC in the playoffs before beating the Philadelphia Union in the MLS Cup Final.
Cristian Arango racked up 16 goals and four assists last season, while Carlos Vela bagged 12 goals and nine assists. Boasting the deadliest attack in the league, LAFC will be difficult to stop in 2023.
Philadelphia Union (+550)
There is no denying that Philadelphia was the second-best team in Major League Soccer last year. Indeed, the Union suffered just five losses in 34 regular-season games before pushing LAFC all the way in the MLS Cup Final.
Not only were Jim Curtin’s men the top scorers in 2022, but they were also the team with the best defensive record. With serious firepower at both ends of the pitch, Philly will be confident of mounting another challenge for the trophy.
New York City FC (+600)
After winning the 2021 MLS Cup, New York City finished fifth in last season’s overall standings. However, they ended up falling to Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference Final.
NYCFC is led by a trio of young Brazilian attackers – Talles Magno, Thiago Andrade and Gabriel Pereira. The South American stars contributed a bucketload of goals and assists last year and look set to enjoy even more success in 2023.
Longshots With the Best Value to Win the 2023 MLS Cup
Seattle Sounders (+1800)
The Seattle Sounders have reached four of the previous seven MLS Cup Finals, triumphing in 2016 and 2019. Granted, they failed to make the playoffs last season, but they know what it takes to go all the way. Given their recent history, Seattle’s juicy price of +1800 looks very attractive.
New England Revolution (+2500)
In 2021, the New England Revolution enjoyed a record-breaking run to the Supporters’ Shield title – racking up a whopping 73 points en route to victory. Like Seattle, the Revs flattered to deceive last year, but they have got what it takes to bounce straight back.
2023 MLS Cup Predictions
Best Bet: Philadelphia Union (+550)
Curtin’s men can count themselves very unfortunate to have missed out on silverware last season. After all, they finished level with LAFC on 67 points before losing the MLS Cup Final on penalties.
With that in mind, I’m backing Philadelphia to go all the way in 2023. The Union achieved the best offensive record and the best defensive record in the league last year, so I expect them to make amends for last season’s shortcomings.
2023 MLS Cup Outright Winner Betting Lines
Los Angeles FC (+450)
Philadelphia Union (+550)
New York City FC (+600)
Austin FC (+800)
LA Galaxy (+800)
CF Montreal (+900)
Nashville SC (+900)
Inter Miami (+1400)
New York Red Bulls (+1400)
Seattle Sounders (+1800)
FC Cincinnati (+2000)
FC Dallas (+2000)
New England Revolution (+2500)
Atlanta United (+3000)
Columbus Crew (+3000)
Minnesota United (+3300)
Orlando City (+3300)
Charlotte FC (+4000)
Portland Timbers (+4000)
Real Salt Lake (+5000)
Sporting Kansas City (+5000)
Toronto FC (+5000)
Colorado Rapids (+6000)
Vancouver Whitecaps (+6000)
Chicago Fire (+7500)
Houston Dynamo (+7500)
D.C. United (+8000)
San Jose Earthquakes (+8000)
St. Louis City SC (+8000)
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