USL Odds, August 24th
The USL is now a year-around league between USL Championship, USL League One and USL Super League!
Every single USL Championship team is playing a match on Saturday for a full slate of games to wager, in addition to five USL League One games. The USL Super League also enters its second weekend of play with two matches as well, however I have yet to find a sportsbook that has offered odds on USL Super League games—all games in USL Super League play to open the season have been under 2.5 goals. Remains to be seen if a sportsbook begins offering odds on Super League games.
As always, make all wagers at your own discretion, any bet you make should be made at your own risk. Only view these options below as potential choices to bet.
All odds were from Bet365 as of Friday, August 23rd.
Elo Ratings
USL Championship
Detroit v Tulsa
1.90 - 3.40 - 3.70
Detroit has somehow turned their five match winless run, into now a span of five games without a defeat and have now won back to back matches for the first time since June. What’s astonishing about these last ten games for Detroit is just one, their last match a 3-2 win over Tampa Bay, have been over 2.5 goals in the game. Tulsa meanwhile enter this game with just one defeat in their last seven games, but have been shutout on four occasions in that time. But in spite of all that history, Detroit and Tulsa have seen their four all-time meetings end in BTTS, with three of those games going over 2.5 goals. Detroit have yet to beat Tulsa all-time too. A fixture with real contradictory history to its current season.
Bet: Detroit to win or tie, under 2.5 goals (2.15)
Hartford v Louisville
4.33 - 3.60 - 1.70
If you are able, I’d start putting wagers down on Louisville to win the player’s shield, as they took an almost Manchester City-like lead in the table over their nearest title rivals in Charleston, with a 3-1 win over the Battery last week. Louisville City was also able to make an important signing for their club—not just Jack Harlow—but Phillip Goodrum from Tulsa, who I think should put them over the top to cruise to another Eastern Conference #1 seed. This week’s game should be another routine victory for the league’s best team.
Bet: Louisville -1 spread (2.75)
Birmingham v Pittsburgh
2.40 - 3.30 - 2.62
It was the late, late show with the Riverhounds last week, as they thought they had a winner at 90+1’ over the Switchbacks, only to concede the equalizing goal 5’ later. It was Pittsburgh’s first occurrence in nearly a month’s time of scoring multiple goals in a match. The Riverhounds enter this match unbeaten in their last seven, but only two of those games were away from home. Birmingham suffered a defeat to a Detroit team who ended an unbeaten run with that result. It was the Legion’s first scoreless match since July 5th. The last four meetings between Birmingham and Pittsburgh have seen BTTS, however Pittsburgh have not beaten the Legion in Birmingham since October 2019—or just after Joker (2019) was in theaters.
Bet: Under 2.5 goals (1.65)
Charleston v Orange County
1.42 - 4.33 - 6.50
Charleston are having to lick their wounds after suffering a defeat to Louisville last week, a loss that put a dent into their chances to win the Player’s Shield. Oddly, three of the four losses by the Battery this year have been by 2 goals or more. They welcome an Orange County team to Patriot’s Point who enter this match winless in their last four games and goalless in their last 363’—or being able to watch both Dune (2021) and Dune Part Two (2024) in their entirety and have a 41 minute intermission. I have to imagine Charleston will rebound in this match and possibly even extend Orange County’s goalless run, but I’ll just back Charleston to win.
Bet: Charleston to win (1.42)
Loudoun v Rhode Island
2.10 - 3.50 - 3.00
Loudoun last week achieved a club first result, as they were able to beat Tampa Bay in Al Lang Stadium for the first time in their history. Loudoun’s last two wins had come against both Floridian clubs as well. Loudoun actually enter this match having scored in their last 13 league games, boasting the fourth highest goal difference in the East right now. Rhode Island drew Oakland last week but sit level on points with Loudoun. RIFC have just one defeat in their last seven road games as well. I think this is a result that can go either way, but I expect goals to be scored.
Bet: Loudoun or Rhode Island win double chance, BTTS, over 2 total goals (2.30)
Tampa Bay v Miami
1.20 - 7.50 - 8.50
Tampa Bay have now gone four games without a win for the first time since the start of the 2023 season, March 11, 2023 to April 1, 2023. The Rowdies have lost their last two home games as well and Tampa Bay have not gone three consecutive home matches without a win since August 2018—the Rowdies have not lost three consecutive home games since they joined USL. However, they could not ask for a better rebound game as they welcome the Miami FC into Al Lang Stadium this week. The odds on Miami might be the longest odds an underdog has received in USL this season. Hard to bet against Tampa Bay and hard to pick Miami.
Bet: Tampa Bay -2.5 (2.375)
Colorado Springs v New Mexico
2.05 - 3.60 - 3.00
New Mexico will look to continue their campaign to put further distance atop the Western Conference this week as they travel to their former 2020 home stadium, against Colorado Springs. New Mexico games as of late have been must-watch tv as they have scored exactly three goals in each of their last three games, BTTS and over 3.5 goals in each of those games! Colorado Springs enter the game having scored in their last eight matches themselves, but only one win in their last six games. I fancy New Mexico to keep the goals flowing in this match, and let’s go ambitious and say the total goals for this game is another match over 3.5 goals!
Bet: Over 3.5 total goals (2.62)
Note: New Mexico at 3.00 odds is an intriguing prospect to bet.
Monterey Bay v El Paso
1.90 - 3.60 - 3.50
April 2022 was the last time El Paso had beaten Monterey Bay in a match, and it was October 2019 the last time El Paso beat Monterey Bay away from home. However, in spite of that history, El Paso has an excellent opportunity to pick up a result in this match as Monterey Bay are winless in their last five games—I should note that MBFC are still scoring goals in those games, having found the back of the net in four of those games. El Paso last week won their second match in a three game run with a 1-0 victory over Orange County. It was the first time since the start of the Carbrera Era that El Paso had six points in three games played.
MBFC having scored six goals in their last four games, despite their lack of wins, would scare me off from betting on El Paso to win this match, but I do think goals are to be had in this game for the hosts.
Bet: Monterey Bay to win or tie double chance, over 1 total goals (1.57)
Oakland v Memphis
2.90 - 3.30 - 2.20
A sneaky good match between two teams in the top four of the Western Conference, each with a chance to move into second with a win and Sacramento dropping points elsewhere. The winner of this match will likely be able to start counting on hosting a first round playoff game this season while the losing side would still have work to do. Oakland has never beaten Memphis in the history of this series, but each of those two previous games had been BTTS. Each team enters this match unbeaten in their last two games so the attacking prowess of both sides should be on display.
Bet: BTTS
Las Vegas v Indy Eleven
2.10 - 3.40 - 3.10
I was rather surprised to see Las Vegas’ 11 match unbeaten run reach a conclusion last week as they lost 2-1 to Hartford, but it did appear as the form had eventually lost all of its luck. The Lights will be looking to start a new results streak this week, while continuing their scoring streak of 11 consecutive games as well. Indy Eleven meanwhile enter this match with just one win in their last six games and have not scored multiple goals in a match during any of those six games.
Bet: Las Vegas to win, BTTS (4.33)
Phoenix v North Carolina
2.30 - 3.40 - 2.75
Phoenix have not scored a goal in 4 hours and 33 minutes—or being able to watch the first three Shrek movies in their entirety—and yet have only lost one match in that time. Impressively this season, North Carolina have only lost consecutive matches on one occasion this year and will look to avoid making that stat a second occurrence this weekend. NCFC entered their match against San Antonio having scored in four consecutive games, before a scoreless defeat to the Texan club. A tough match to call that I think ends with a draw.
Bet: Draw (3.40)
Sacramento v San Antonio
1.61 - 3.75 - 4.75
San Antonio picked up a much needed win last week at home against North Carolina, their first victory since July 6th. However, their road form this year has been severely lacking with no wins away from home since April 20th, 126 days ago—a 3-1 win at Hartford. It is still San Antonio’s only win on the road this year. Sacramento at home have not been their usual selves, with four wins, draws and defeats in their 12 home games this season, but they should have enough to get past San Antonio. Maybe do a double chance bet on Sacramento be safe.
Bet: Sacramento win or tie and under 2.5 goals (3.75)
USL1
Knoxville v Spokane
1.85 - 3.40 - 3.50
Knoxville made the decision to sack manager Mark McKeever last week, and it resulted in the club’s first match under interim manager Illja Ilic—former player of Louisville, Indy Eleven, New Mexico and most recently Knoxville—getting a massive 4-1 win over state rivals Chattanooga. Knoxville weirdly have gone unbeaten in their last seven games across all competitions. Spokane meanwhile enters this match having not beaten a team not named Chattanooga since May 11th—105 days ago. I like Knoxville to keep the run of form going and get a win over Spokane in this one.
Bet: Knoxville to win (1.85)
Charlotte v Fuego
1.50 - 4.00 - 5.25
If there was ever a game this week to pick over 2.5 goals, it would be this one that features two clubs who have each scored multiple goals in games a combined 17 times this year across league and Jagermeister Cup matches. Charlotte have not lost a match at home since May 17th, and Fuego have not beaten Charlotte in any of their last two meetings. I like goals in this one and Charlotte has the advantage for the result.
Bet: Charlotte to win, over 2.5 goals (2.10)
Lexington v Madison
2.75 - 3.50 - 2.15
Lexington are unbeaten in three consecutive league matches for the first time all season and first time since the beginning half of the 2023 season. Coupled with the news of the club’s impending promotion to the USL Championship next season, the side will want to see their league form turn around in the lead up to next year. Madison has yet to score a goal against Lexington in a road game in the history of this series, but I think they end that drought this weekend, it is just a matter of if Lexington can respond.
Bet: Madison to win or tie (1.36)
Omaha v Richmond
1.50 - 4.00 - 5.25
This match will be two weeks since Omaha had last played a USL1 game, a 1-0 win over Fuego in the Cup being their last outing on August 9th. Richmond meanwhile has played two games in that time, a pair of 1-1 draws, but still no wins since July 3rd—52 days ago. Since that last win, Richmond have not scored multiple goals in a match. But how will Omaha do with the long rest?
Bet: Under 2.5 goals (2.25)
Northern Colorado v Greenville
No odds as of writing
Northern Colorado in the history of this series, has never beaten Greenville at home, as the two matches both resulted in draws. The Triumph however enter this match well out of form, with just one win in their last six games, and only one match in that run of Greenville scoring multiple goals in it. The Hailstorm enter this match unbeaten in their last five games, four wins in that time, and will look to earn their first ever win over Triumph at home in club history.
Bet: Northern Colorado win or tie
Parlays
Louisville, Charleston, Tampa Bay all to win (2.78)
Detroit win or tie, Pittsburgh win or tie, North Carolina win or tie (2.91)
Loudoun v Rhode Island, Colorado Springs v New Mexico, Las Vegas v Indy Eleven all BTTS (4.48)
Knoxville v Spokane, Charlotte v Fuego, Omaha v Richmond all over 2.5 goals (4.69)
Detroit v Tulsa, Birmingham v Pittsburgh, Sacramento v San Antonio all under 2.5 goals (5.34)
Knoxville, Charlotte, Madison and Omaha all to win (8.94)
Sacramento, Las Vegas, New Mexico all to win (10.17)
Non-USL Related Bets:
Motorsports for the Weekend:
Dutch Grand Prix
Max Verstappen to win (2.75)
Both cars to finish top six, Ferrari yes (2.37)
Perez to finish top six - No
NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona
Winning Manufacturer: Chevrolet (2.70)
College Football Week Zero bets:
Florida State vs Georgia Tech (in Dublin, Ireland) - 12pm
Florida State to cover a -11.5 spread (1.90)
Georgia Tech to score under 20.5 points (2.10)
SMU at Nevada - 8pm
SMU to cover a -26.5 spread (1.90)
Nevada to score under 13.5 points (2.20)
NFL Preseason:
This is truly a sickos bet, but the Buffalo Bills have indicated that they will rest their starters for their final preseason game against the Carolina Panthers. NFL preseason games have been hitting the under this year lately, so perhaps a bet at 1.90 odds of under 31.0 points for Saturday’s Carolina at Buffalo preseason game is worth a bet. Although the Panthers starters may play a few series on Saturday, it just depends on how much faith you have in a team who went 2-15 last year.
Premier League Early Season Observations
Tottenham have only kept two clean sheets in 2024 and look to continue that trend into the new season after their wasteful 1-1 draw with Leicester on Monday. Until proven otherwise, I would consider BTTS bets for all Tottenham matches. Tottenham do however seem to generate a ton of corners this year—13 corners in their game vs Leicester. It could be worth bets on over 5 corners for Spurs in games this year.
If you are watching a Manchester United match live, and it is either tied or United trail by a goal at 80’, it may be worth putting a bet down on United to win or tie the match, respectively. While I think Erik ten Hag’s side will be much improved this year, I just have to imagine we get a lot more of “they can’t keep getting away with it” results this year from United.
Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City look to be the top class of the league as each recorded shutout wins to open their campaigns. Betting these sides to win matches won’t net the most favorable odds all the time, but consider spread bets of -1.5 or win to nil bets.
Jamie Vardy is still doing Jamie Vardy things.
The red card had impacted the game, but I still think Newcastle will be one of the tougher teams of the season to beat in a game, especially at St James’ Park. I would say they are still mostly safe bets for results and over 2.5 goals.
West Ham could quietly be worth good money on being involved in games with goals, as will Aston Villa. Two teams I believe will still be a thorn in everyone’s sides this season—at least until we see how Champions League play impacts Villa.
Oh Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea. Perhaps one more player transfer will fix things?
Final Thoughts
The USL Super League launched last weekend to a rousing success. It was super fun to watch the matches on Peacock after a morning of Premier League action, and to see packed stadiums was all the more excitement for the league. This view of a sold-out Carolina Ascent match in front of 10k fans was phenomenal. As it stands, I have not seen any odds offered on USL Super League matches, but will remain on the lookout for if they are posted anywhere. The Carolina Ascent kits might be my favorite of the league thus far.
College football week zero is this weekend and I am quite excited to have the sport back in season in full starting next weekend with Labor Day weekend and Week One! In addition to it being one of my two favorite sports, college football provides plenty more opportunities of games to wager on. Onwards to a new college football season!
The start of the European soccer seasons also means we are closer to the release of this season’s collectible cards from Topps and more! I am excited to see what cards appear in the boxes and packs this season from the select leagues of Europe and UEFA competitions, and to grow my own personal collection.
Follow me on Twitter at @ILM_Ryan and follow the USL Show, @theUSLshow.