USL Odds, July 17
A World Cup final on Sunday, a nice dessert after the main course, USL on Saturday!
With the conclusion of the Prinx Tire USL Cup group stage (and the quarterfinals of that competition scheduled for August), we are back, fully-focused on the league seasons for USLC and USL1. The middle of the Summer are the matches where teams can really cement their spot as league favorites, to playoff hopefuls, to teams maybe looking towards the off-season already. There are still angles to play for our wagers on a busy sports weekend ahead. Best of luck to your bets!
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, July 17th.
Previous Week Recap:
Here are the bets that paid off from last week’s article:
USL Cup: Pittsburgh win or draw, Under 2.5 total goals (2.50), Hartford ML (1.30), Charleston v Charlotte Over 2.5 total goals (1.57), Fort Wayne win or tie halftime, Detroit win or tie fulltime (2.30), Miami ML (1.83), Tampa Bay -1.5 (1.75), Madison v Omaha Over 2.5 total goals (1.61), Lexington to score first (2.60), Louisville v Lexington Over 2.5 total goals (1.61), Corpus Christi to score first (2.05), Corpus Christi v Knoxville Draw at 90’ (4.00), New Mexico ML (2.40), New Mexico to score first (1.90), San Antonio ML (1.33), Boise v Sacramento Under 2.5 total goals (2.25)
Parlays: San Antonio, Hartford, Tampa Bay ML parlay (2.22), Charleston v Charlotte, Madison v Omaha, Louisville v Lexington Over 2.5 total goals (4.10), Hartford v Westchester, Portland v NY Cosmos Over 2.5 total goals (2.14), Pittsburgh v Loudoun and Boise v Sacramento Under 2.5 total goals (4.83)
Beyond USL: England to qualify, BTTS - Yes (2.50), Nyland (NOR) 4+ saves, Pickford (ENG) 2+ saves (2.15), Kobel (SUI) 4+ saves (1.72), Top Ford: Ryan Blaney (3.40), Top Toyota: Christopher Bell (5.50), Ryan Blaney top five finish (2.80), Carson Hocevar top ten finish (1.90), Carson Hocevar H2H v Austin Cindric (2.00), Christopher Bell H2H v Brad Keselowski (1.80), William Byron H2H v Chase Briscoe (1.80), Ty Gibbs H2H v Chris Buescher (2.00), Ryan Blaney H2H v Kyle Larson (1.76)
USL Championship
Pittsburgh v Louisville
2.90 - 3.20 - 2.15
Oh Pittsburgh, what are you doing? Someone was eventually going to be the team to give up the first win to the languishing expansion side, Sporting Jax, but the reigning USLC champions to do it is a surprise (and shows how chaotic this league can be on any given weekend). For Louisville, perhaps their demise was greatly exaggerated, as the Kentucky club are unbeaten in their last six games across all competitions, with three shutouts, and are off the back of a huge 4-2 win over in-state neighbors Lexington at home last week in the cup. Despite what was a tough May for Louisville, they seem to have turned things around.
Looking to this early lunchtime kickoff on Saturday, Louisville are actually on an unbeaten run of 12 consecutive games at FNB Stadium against Pittsburgh (which are all visits for Louisville to this ground). Though Pittsburgh won 1-0 away at Louisville back in May when last these clubs faced, this historical run of form has to be impressive for Louisville City and is why I am leaning towards backing them to continue it this weekend. If you’re Pittsburgh, how do you respond after losing to the league’s worst side for their first victory on the season?
Bet 1: Louisville ML (2.15)
Bet 2: Pittsburgh under 1.5 team goals, Louisville win or draw halftime, and win or draw fulltime (1.66)
Detroit v Indy Eleven
1.80 - 3.25 - 4.00
A clash of teams on the cusp of the home field advantage playoff line at the moment (and two sides who both have yet to lose at home in the league this season). Indy Eleven had a midweek match that resulted in a defeat to Miami on Wednesday, making it eight consecutive road matches across all competitions this year without a win. Detroit enter this match unbeaten in their last six games over all competitions played, and I believe will extend that run in this game as well. The “key” to this match for me has to be Keyworth Stadium, until I see a team enter this ground and leave with three points, it is really tough to back the visitors in any game here—particularly since Indy Eleven has not won here since March 2023 (the only road game they’ve scored a goal in at Keyworth as well).
Bet: Detroit win to nil (3.00)
Loudoun v Tampa Bay
4.75 - 4.00 - 1.53
I know I’ve spoken in the past about Loudoun being just around the corner of turning their form around (as the Northern Virginia club extends their winless run to six games across all competitions). That being said, Tampa Bay is not the team you want to face when you are in dire need of improving results. While the Rowdies have taken a bit of a wobble in recent weeks (just two wins from their last five in all competitions played), this is still a very talented Tampa Bay team. When these sides met back in March, it was Tampa Bay winning 3-1 at Al Lang, which actually ended a four match unbeaten run for Loudoun against the Rowdies, so they can prove to be a frustrating team to beat, especially this season (BTTS - Yes hit rates for Loudoun games this year are at 71%). However, I believe these odds are good for the Rowdies and though this game might be a challenge, I think it’s worth picking Tampa Bay here to win their first match at Segra Field since 2023.
Bet 1: Tampa Bay ML (1.53)
Bet 2: BTTS - Yes, Over 2.5 total goals (2.05)
Bet 3: Tampa Bay to score first (1.50)
Jacksonville v Brooklyn
2.70 - 3.50 - 2.20
Well done Jacksonville, that’s your first win of the league season on the board! It was a 2-1 win over Pittsburgh on Wednesday to give the Floridian club their first three point result of the season. While Sporting Jax are still adrift at the bottom of the league, it’s only five points back of their opponents this weekend, fellow 2026 expansion team, Brooklyn FC. For the visitors, it’s only one loss in their last six games played across all competitions (including a rain-shortened 2-2 draw with Jacksonville at the start of this streak). However, Brooklyn are still searching for their first road win in the league this season and that might very well play into Jacksonville’s hands to get a second consecutive win. That being considered, each of these teams are averaging over 2.5 total goals on the season per game, have BTTS - Yes hit rates nearly identical (roughly 66%), so picking this match to be BTTS/over2.5 goals is an initial first move for me. Beyond that, I think taking Brooklyn to score first and to be leading or tied at halftime should be our other wagers here.
Bet 1: BTTS - Yes/Over 2.5 total goals (1.83)
Bet 2: Brooklyn to score first (1.80)
Bet 3: Brooklyn win or draw at halftime (1.36)
Parlay Bets 2 & 3: 1.86
Charleston v Sacramento
1.83 - 3.25 - 3.80
There are not many teams in USLC that can say they have Charleston’s number, but the Sacramento Republic are one of those sides. The California club have yet to be shutout against Charleston in their five previous meetings (while also leading the series with three wins, a draw and one defeat). However, both of these teams are in very different places this season than years’ past. Neill Collins’ Republic side has looked inconsistent in recent weeks, having not won consecutive games in all competitions since May, and have also lost three of their last four road games in all competitions. For Charleston, though they exited the USL Cup last week, the goal now for the club should be fully focused on chasing down Tampa Bay for first in the East (and maybe even the Players’ Shield). Though we have seen Sacramento enter the Lowcountry before and leave with a win (2022), this Battery team still has yet to lose at home this season, and in each home match, and has trailed for a collective 38’ across all matches played at home this season. Sacramento has also yet to be leading at halftime of a road game this season, so I take us leaning on the home atmosphere for Charleston in our bets for this match.
Bet 1: Charleston to score first (1.66)
Bet 2: Charleston win or draw halftime, Charleston ML (1.90)
Rhode Island v Hartford
1.70 - 3.40 - 4.33
It’s always a joy when these two USLC New England rivals can meet on the pitch, and this weekend’s matchup is the third such meeting in 2026—with Rhode Island unbeaten in the two previous matches this season. Hartford advanced to the knockouts of the USL Cup last week, another chance to defend their trophy from last season, while both of these sides are jockeying for the final playoff spots in the league (Rhode Island currently on the outside looking in, with Hartford just above the playoff line). Both of these teams’ statlines make this match tough to call: BTTS - Yes hit rates are opposite (Rhode Island at 77% to Hartford’s 28%), Hartford getting the first goal is the second lowest in the league save for Jacksonville (28%), even total goals is in opposite directions with Rhode Island averaging 3.15 to Hartford’s league low 1.79.
I will be leaning on Rhode Island here from the fact that Hartford has still yet to beat their neighbors in a road match inside 90’ in their seven previous meetings. If Rhode Island can grab the opening goal, that might be enough to win it.
Bet 1: Under 2.5 total goals (1.90)
Bet 2: Draw halftime, Rhode Island win or draw fulltime (2.50)
Bet 3: BTTS - No (1.83)
Tulsa v El Paso
1.90 - 3.50 - 3.25
The headline grabbing story last week for El Paso was the debut of Cristo Fernandez in Locomotive’s USL Cup defeat to New Mexico. As the focus returns to the league, we shall see the impact the former ‘Ted Lasso’ star will have on a Locomotive team who have won just one of their last nine league games (but will be looking for their first back-to-back wins in the league since April). For Tulsa, this recent run of form has me starting to question if we should start fading the reigning West champions. It’s just one win in their last six games across all competitions (a 2-0 win over Monterey Bay). It’s not out of the question that Tulsa could be outside the playoff picture by the end of this weekend if this match does not break their way. For two teams needing results to get out of a rut, I have to imagine both sides are encouraged to go for goal in this game, which leads me to initially pick BTTS - Yes in this match (which has happened in the last three meetings of these two teams, and El Paso have scored in each of the last four meetings versus Tulsa). However with both teams struggling for wins right now, leaning the way of a scoring draw in this match.
Bet 1: Draw (3.50)
Bet 2: BTTS - Yes (1.66)
Parlay both: 4.75
San Antonio v Las Vegas
2.05 - 3.30 - 3.00
San Antonio feels like the most ‘under the radar’ good team in the league at the moment. We have rarely given the Texan club their proper plaudits it feels on the USL Show at times, but like Louisville of years’ past, they just quietly keep getting the job done with results, currently just one defeat in their last nine games. While the performances might not have been convincing entirely, getting the result is hard to deny. For Las Vegas, it’s starting to look like a typical Lights season where they are involved in some chaotic games (having one of the league’s highest BTTS - Yes hit rates at 78%, and are averaging at 3.43 total goals per game), but are languishing in the bottom portion of the West. To their reprieve, a lot of the West right now are clustered together and one week can change a teams’ fortunes quickly. However, this is a Las Vegas team who has not won any of their six previous visits to San Antonio, and have not scored multiple goals against San Antonio since a 4-2 win in October 2019 (nine meetings ago). Backing the hosts to keep the Lights at bay, in a match where I’d like to see San Antonio put in a convincing performance.
Bet 1: San Antonio win or draw, Las Vegas under 1.5 team goals (1.57)
Bet 2: Draw halftime (2.20)
Phoenix v Monterey Bay
1.65 - 3.70 - 4.00
Both teams taking defeats in their last group stage of the USL Cup might not be the result they wanted, but it may very well be a blessing in disguise for each of these teams to return focus on the league. For Phoenix, they have lost five of their last six games (and six of their last eight), having not won a match since May 30th (2-0 over Sacramento). To Phoenix’s credit, while the results have not been there as of late, they have scored in each of their last four games, only to be let down by their defense (Phoenix have been outscored 6-10 in their last four games across all competitions). While Monterey Bay have been on the upswing in recent weeks, just two defeats in their last eight games played across all competitions (only being shutout twice in that time). A win in this match (or a result in this game and Las Vegas failing to get a result) could see Monterey Bay not at the bottom of the table for the first time all season…and I think that will be what happens.
Monterey Bay have strangely been a thorn in the side of Phoenix historically, having won three of their last four meetings, with two of those games being BTTS - Yes/Over 2.5 total goals too. These odds are enticing for a Monterey Bay ML pick, but I think I will keep it simple and have Monterey Bay getting a result as one wager, and trusting another BTTS - Yes performance from both teams as the other (a coin flip’s percentage chance for both teams this season stats wise).
Bet 1: Monterey Bay win or draw (2.10)
Bet 2: BTTS - Yes (1.72)
Parlay both: 3.10
USL1
Boise v Portland
1.60 - 3.90 - 4.33
We get our USL weekend started with a Friday night showdown between AC Boise and Portland Hearts of Pine, a first ever meeting between these two sides. If Portland were the template for new expansion teams to follow, Boise are working hard to follow that blueprint themselves, and possibly take it to the next level (“Raising Your Game” anyone…?). A massive 2-0 win over USLC’s Sacramento in the Cup has to be a confidence booster for the hosts who, after a tough May and June, are seemingly back to winning ways with three wins from their last four games played, all three wins being shutout victories. For Portland, they are unbeaten in their last three games played across all competitions, and have scored in their last 11 consecutive games as well. Immediately, that jumps out to me to pick this match going over 2.5 total goals, something both teams are currently averaging in total goals per match this season thus far (Boise at 2.88, Portland at 3.20). The concern for me lies in Portland’s road form on the season, especially for these long cross-country flights which are never easy for any road team in USL1. Backing the hosts to get the job done throwing themselves back into the race for a home playoff game with the result as well.
Bet 1: Boise ML (1.60)
Bet 2: Over 2.5 total goals (1.60)
Charlotte v Chattanooga
1.95 - 3.50 - 3.20
To start our Saturday USL1 slate, fresh off their penalties win over Charleston, and advancement to the USL Cup quarterfinals, we have Charlotte hosting Chattanooga. “When in doubt, trust in the Independence” has almost become a betting mantra of mine as of late, as Charlotte are unbeaten in their last 14 games (including ten wins) across all competitions. 11 of those games have gone BTTS - Yes (showing Charlotte’s USL1 high 85% hit rate on BTTS - Yes matches, if your sportsbook offers it, take it). Chattanooga has played the fewest games in the league by a fair margin versus everyone else save for Greenville, as they sit on the outside of the playoff picture. Despite that, only three teams have conceded fewer goals than this Red Wolves team (Knoxville, Madison and Fort Wayne), showing how tough of a team they can be. When last these clubs met in May, Charlotte had to work for a 3-2 win over Chattanooga, putting up 25 shots in the process for the Independence.
Back in front of their home fans, I think Charlotte has a much easier task ahead of them in this one as I will continue to back the Independence until they lose. ML is an initial pick, but consider Charlotte to cover the spread in this one as well.
Bet 1: Charlotte ML (1.95)
Bet 2: Over 2.5 total goals (1.70)
Bet 3: Charlotte -1.5 (3.45)
NY Cosmos v Corpus Christi
2.30 - 3.50 - 2.55
For the first time since April, the Cosmos have avoided defeat in two consecutive matches. While they ultimately lost on penalties to Portland in the USL Cup group stage last time out, these performances are needed for a struggling Cosmos team. Corpus Christi, a team I mentioned a few weeks ago as my “team to buy” in USL1, have lost just one of their last six games played (their lone road game in those last six games played as well). It’s a good thing someone is hosting this match as both of these sides are still searching for their first road victory on the year…however the Cosmos’ home record is the second worst in USL1 this season (save for only Richmond behind them). Corpus Christi themselves have not only lost their last three road games across all competitions, but have been outscored 8-1 in that time as well. This match might honestly be one that gets the “toughest to predict” moniker this week…which leads to only one possible result to predict for this game.
Bet: Draw (3.50)
Richmond v Spokane
3.30 - 3.40 - 1.95
Derby day defeats will happen sometimes for every team, but Richmond’s 0-4 loss to Madison on Wednesday in the Henny Derby was their worst ever scoreline against the Wisconsin club. For a Kickers team low on confidence and no wins in their last eight games played in the league (a streak dating back to May), it’s tough to see an end to this poor run of form. However, their opponents this weekend, Spokane Velocity, are still searching for their first road win on the season, and have scored the fewest road goals (two across six road games) all season in USL1. To consider the history, Spokane are five wins and one defeat in six previous meetings with Richmond and have won twice at City Stadium already.
With both teams averaging under 2.5 total goals on the season, I think we might be in for a low-scoring affair on Saturday night, and I just don’t have enough confidence in either side to inspire a feeling of a ML wager here.
Bet 1: Draw (3.40)
Bet 2: Under 2.5 total goals (1.90)
Scoreline wager: 0-0 (10.00)
Fort Wayne v Greenville
1.95 - 3.40 - 3.25
Well, what was shaping up to be a really intriguing match on Wednesday certainly started that way between Fort Wayne and Knoxville, after a red card just three seconds into the match put the Indiana club down to ten players early. Even though Knoxville got a red card themselves later in the match, it would not be enough for Fort Wayne to overcome as they fell midweek 2-1 against Knoxville. That defeat on Wednesday ended Fort Wayne’s 11-match unbeaten run in the league that had lasted since April, but back at home, Fort Wayne will look to start a new streak against a struggling Greenville team. Though Greenville have back-to-back clean sheets in the league for the first time since October of last season, the South Carolina club finds themselves adrift of a playoff spot by nine points already, and just one win away from home in the league this season (against fellow USL1 struggling side, NY Cosmos).
Each of these clubs’ BTTS - Yes hit rates are among the lowest in the league—Fort Wayne at 47% and Greenville at a league low 38%. Not to mention Fort Wayne are still unbeaten at home in USL1 play this season, having scored the opening goal in five of those matches (with one 0-0 scoreline). Eventually Fort Wayne will lose a home match this season, but I don’t think it will come against Greenville.
Bet 1: Fort Wayne ML (1.95)
Bet 2: Fort Wayne to score first (1.72)
And if your book offers BTTS bets, take BTTS - No, or Fort Wayne win to nil.
Knoxville v AV Alta
1.61 - 3.70 - 4.33
As mentioned above, the early red card to Fort Wayne made Knoxville’s midweek victory a truly bizarre spectacle to watch, especially as they picked up a red card themselves and still saw out all three points. But for Knoxville, that’s another win to keep the pace with Charlotte and Omaha, a trio of clubs I believe will be competing for the Players’ Shield all season as the clear best three teams in the league. Enter this weekend, Knoxville are the current league leaders, but AV Alta are still in and around the hunt for a home playoff spot. However, AV Alta took a 1-0 loss to Chattanooga away midweek, and will stay in Tennessee for this match this weekend. While AV Alta were in unfamiliar territory with their long unbeaten run in the league at the starting months of the year, are we beginning to see this club come back to reality—especially with no wins in any of their last three played away from home.
Knoxville are a perfect 2-0-0 against AV Alta all-time, and while AV Alta are one of the better teams in USL1 away from home this season in the league, I’d still back Knoxville to win this match, and score the opening goal (something that has happened for Knoxville in 80% of their matches this season). But AV Alta might prove to frustrate Knoxville in this game as we could see this match going into the break with a draw.
Bet 1: Knoxville ML, Knoxville to score first (1.80)
Bet 2: Draw at halftime (2.30)
Parlay both:
Omaha v Westchester
1.50 - 4.10 - 5.00
The Westchester we all know from last season, might have made a return without many noticing, as the New York club has now lost four consecutive matches across all competitions for the first time since June. While this year’s Westchester side does look more positively than they did a season ago, the results have been similar. Omaha are in a similar rut themselves, with just one win in their last five games…however, those four defeats in those last five games have all come on the road. Outside of a 5-1 loss to Louisville in the USL Cup group stage, Omaha has not lost any other match at home this season and only have one draw in those matches as well. In their two previous meetings, we had Omaha winning 2-1 over Westchester in both of those games played last season as well. Omaha should win this one, and will make a possible addition to any parlay you have on the weekend, but how much do you think Westchester can get involved in this match is the question…and lately it’s been not much involvement for Westchester’s recent games.
Weird streak ongoing though, Westchester has not lost any of their last five halftime socrelines, while Omaha has not led any of their last five halftime scorelines at home. Consider Westchester to not be behind at the break as a possible bet.
Bet 1: Omaha ML (1.50)
Bet 2: Omaha 2-1 Westchester correct scoreline (9.50)
Bet 3: Westchester win or draw halftime (1.80)
Parlays
ML Parlay:
Boise, Knoxville ML parlay (2.58)
Charlotte, Fort Wayne, Omaha ML parlay (5.70)
Detroit, Tampa Bay, Charleston ML parlay (5.06)
San Antonio, Louisville ML parlay (4.40)
Tulsa v El Paso, Richmond v Spokane Draw parlay (11.90)
BTTS/Goals Parlay:
Pittsburgh v Louisville and Detroit v Indy Eleven BTTS - No (3.50)
Loudoun v Tampa Bay and Jacksonville v Brooklyn BTTS - Yes (2.64)
Tulsa v El Paso and Phoenix v Monterey Bay BTTS - Yes (2.87)
Pittsburgh v Louisville and Richmond v Spokane both under 2.5 total goals (3.51)
Charlotte v Chattanooga and Omaha v Westchester both over 2.5 total goals (2.67)
Boise v Portland and Loudoun v Tampa Bay both over 2.5 total goals (2.58)
Underdog Parlay:
Corpus Christi win or draw, Monterey Bay win or draw (3.15)
Kaylor Hodges ™ No-Draws in USLC Parlay: 6.68
Kaylor Hodges ™ No-Draws in USL1 Parlay: 3.93
Non-USL Related Bets
Other Soccer:
Saturday’s World Cup Third Place Game: France v England
France to finish third (1.50)
BTTS - Yes/Over 2.5 total goals (1.66)
Mbappe ATGS (1.72)
Mbappe to score 2+ goals (4.50)
Bellingham goal or assist (2.50)
Over 8.5 total corners (1.66)
Sunday’s World Cup Final, Spain v Argentina:
Draw at 90’ (3.00)
Yamal, Oyarzabal, Messi each 1+ shot on target (2.30)
Porro 1+ shot on target (4.50)
First Half 0-0 scoreline (2.62)
No goal before 32:00 (1.83)
Under 2.5 total goals in 90’ (1.66)
Simon (ESP) 3+ saves, Martinez (ARG) 2+ saves (1.75)
Messi goal or assist (1.90)
Oyzarzabal ATGS (2.10)
Spain to lift trophy (1.61)
MLS
LA Galaxy v LAFC BTTS - Yes/Over 2.5 total goals (1.80)
Nashville ML, Nashville over 1.5 team goals (1.75)
MLS Player Props
Hany Mukhtar (NSH) ATGS (2.25)
Denis Bouanga (LAFC) ATGS (1.83)
Marco Reus (LAG) goal or assist (2.00)
Elsewhere:
Atletico Ottawa ML (1.75)
San Francisco City ML (1.75) v FC Tucson
Asheville City win or draw (1.80) v Lionsbridge FC
Other Sports:
Formula 1 - Belgian Grand Prix
Picks for the Grand Prix are made prior to qualifying
Race:
Race Win: Mercedes race winning car (1.61)
Kimi Antonelli race win (2.10)
Lewis Hamilton podium finish (1.80)
VCARB double points finish (1.57)
Lance Stroll to be classified - No (2.00)
Fernando Alonso to be classified - No (2.00)
Valterri Bottas to be classified - No (2.25)
Aston Martin first constructor retirement (7.50)
NASCAR - Window World 450 at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Manufacturer Plays:
Top Chevy: Kyle Larson (2.55)
Top Ford: Ryan Blaney (1.76)
Top Toyota: Christopher Bell (2.50)
Placement Bets:
Ryan Blaney top five (1.71)
Christopher Bell top five (1.86)
Kyle Larson top five (2.10)
Carson Hocevar top ten (2.20)
Ty Gibbs top ten (1.62)
Bubba Wallace top ten (2.25)
Head-to-Head Bets:
Chase Elliott to beat William Byron (1.86)
Ryan Blaney to beat Denny Hamlin (1.76)
Carson Hocevar to beat Chris Buescher (1.71)
Ty Gibbs to beat Ryan Preece and Chase Briscoe to beat Ross Chastain (2.22)
Outright Win Bets:
Kyle Larson (8.50)
Christopher Bell (5.50)
Either to win: 3.50
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