USL Odds, March 20
Midweek U.S. Open Cup matches were lots of fun! Back to the league schedules this weekend!
Having the U.S. Open Cup games in the midweek is always a treat, one of the best parts of early season USL is seeing the teams of the league visiting new clubs and the Cupsets that could be had (congrats to Asheville, Vermont, Flint City, Tennessee Tempo and Valley 559 FC for wins over USL opposition). Refocusing a side on league play after a midweek game is always a challenge for any team, especially after the travel and/or shortened recovery time until the next game for some. It could provide us with some opportunities for some favorable odds on possible upsets in the league to mirror the USOC. USL league play, the NCAA tournament underway, along with European soccer and more sports, let’s make it a profitable weekend!
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, March 20th.
Previous Week Recap:
Here are the bets that paid off from last week’s article:
USLC: Detroit ML (1.70), Louisville ML, Over 1.5 total goals (1.72), Colorado Springs win or tie, Colorado Springs to score first (1.61), Oakland ML (2.05), Oakland v New Mexico BTTS/Over 2.5 goals (2.37), Phoenix win or tie, BTTS (2.87)
USL1: Portland win or tie, Over 2.5 total goals (2.05), Knoxville to score first (1.80), Sarasota v Fort Wayne Draw (3.25)
Beyond USL: Nashville ML (3.30), Hugo Cuypers ATGS (CHI) (2.10), Arsenal win to nil (2.00), Manchester United ML (1.72), Celtic v Motherwell BTTS - Yes/Over 2.5 goals (1.95), Como v Roma BTTS - Yes (1.90), Juventus, Napoli ML (2.06), Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona ML (2.61), Hamburg v Koln, Hoffenheim v Wolfsburg both BTTS - Yes (2.53), Duke -6 first half (1.95), Rockets, Raptors ML (2.07), Blue Jackets ML (1.83), Kings at Devils over 5.5 goals (1.90), Logan Webb 5+ strikeouts (1.71), Shohei Ohtani, Ronald Acuna Jr, Vinnie Pasquatino each 1+ hit (2.33), William Byron top five finish (2.50), Bubba Wallace top ten finish (2.10), Brad Keselowski to win a group of himself, Connor Zilisch, Erik Jones and AJ Allmendinger (2.75), 18/20 in my Oscar predictions
USL Championship
Loudoun v Miami
1.65 - 3.75 - 4.10
Miami were thoroughly outclassed by Louisville last week, on the losing end of a 4-1 result where they allowed 25 shots (but who isn’t outclassed by Louisville on most weeks). Loudoun, in their first game under Anthony Limbrick, was a high-scoring 3-2 loss against reigning league champions, Pittsburgh. However, Loudoun were able to rebound midweek with the 2-1 result over West Chester United in the USOC, from two first half goals. That result in the Cup should get Loudoun back on track in the league, especially as Miami looks to be a club who will struggle this season. I think Limbrick gets his first victory in the league with Loudoun this weekend.
Bet: Loudoun ML, Over 1.5 total goals (1.95)
Louisville v Rhode Island
1.65 - 3.50 - 4.50
In rather unexpected news of the week, Louisville’s Danny Cruz was announced to have departed from the club. So soon into the season is certainly less than ideal timing for the Kentucky club, who we at the USL Show had picked to repeat their East regular season title (and likely Players’ Shield victory too). I do expect Louisville to be fine in the long run of the season—the club has to be the top job in USLC in my opinion that they’ll find a decent manager to fill in. That being said, in the short term, I might still be a bit more cautious over Louisville. Especially as they welcome Rhode Island to town this weekend (who has won at this ground twice in three previous visits here). RIFC drew 1-1 with Jacksonville in their season opener last week, and might feel they should have earned more from that match. Louisville and Rhode Island both took care of business in the USOC off of win to nil results. But this weekend, I think Louisville are still a top squad and at home, a tough team to beat. But this Rhode Island team might not be the most ideal first opponent in the interim era under Simon Byrd. Still taking the hosts to get a result, but for Rhode Island to find a goal.
Bet: Louisville win or tie, BTTS (2.05)
Brooklyn v Hartford
3.10 - 3.30 - 2.00
A first ever meeting for these two, new northeastern neighbors. I was hesitant a bit on Hartford to start the year, but they looked like they had not skipped a beat with a 3-0 win over Jacksonville in matchday one, then mid-morning 0-0 draw with Birmingham on Wednesday afternoon last week is an acceptable outcome for a weirdly timed fixture. Hartford will be looking to make it 2/2 wins against expansion teams this year as they visit Coney Island, fresh off a midweek visit to the NYC metro and a win over Motown in the USOC. Brooklyn was at the losing end of a 3-0 result away at Detroit last week, it was Detroit’s largest win at Keyworth since September 2025. We could likely see Brooklyn in a familiar outcome such as the one last week, frequently this season—and that includes this week. I’m taking Hartford to pick up the result this weekend and picking the club to score multiple goals in the process.
Bet: Hartford ML, Hartford o1.5 team goals (2.62)
Charleston v Birmingham
1.53 - 3.60 - 5.50
With Danny Cruz having departed from Louisville this week, Charleston has to be eager to take advantage of any possible dip in form from the Kentucky club, as they are primed to become the preeminent Eastern Conference #1 team if so. After a last minute winner to advance in the USOC from Wednesday, the Battery welcome Birmingham to the Lowcountry this weekend. Birmingham have gone now ten days since their last match played and are still searching for their first goal on the season—Legion have not been shutout in three consecutive league games since July 2025 (which the third game of that run was strangely also against Charleston). July 2022 was the last time Birmingham visited Charleston and left with three points, one of just two wins in seven visits for the Legion. I’m picking Charleston to keep their form rolling and to cruise past Birmingham.
Bet: Charleston ML, Birmingham u1.5 team goals (1.66)
Indy Eleven v Detroit
2.20 - 3.30 - 2.80
Would I be out of place to say, cautiously, fading Indy Eleven might be a play we call upon frequently this season? Indy Eleven did look the part in a 3-0 win this week against a weaker than typical in the USOC, Des Moines Menace team. That result aside, their loss to Brooklyn in their first league match of the season was disappointing. Especially considering their opponents this week, Detroit put three goals past Brooklyn last week in a win. That being said, only once all-time has Indy Eleven been held scoreless at home against Detroit (July 2022)—and only once in the four home games held since that July 2022 meeting has Indy Eleven scored under 1.5 goals in the match. This has been a tricky ground for Detroit to visit and perhaps Indy just needed to get back into more familiar surroundings. But given these odds, I’m taking my chances on the visitors to pick up a result this weekend.
Bet: Detroit win or tie, under 3.5 goals (2.00)
Tampa Bay v Pittsburgh
2.15 - 3.20 - 3.30
As it turned out, both of these teams had the week to rest and prepare for this game, as Pittsburgh’s planned Open Cup match against Steel City, was postponed to next due to weather. Tampa Bay, not competing in this year’s tournament, will be looking forward to their home opener at Al Lang Stadium, as Dom Casciato will get to unveil a new look Rowdies team to their home faithful. And what better way to announce the return of the Tampa Bay brand of soccer we all know than a good result against the reigning league champions. The Rowdies have won three of the last four home matches against Pittsburgh, but the Rowdies have not won a home opener since 2022, and that’s a streak I think they will bring to a close this weekend. Backing Tampa Bay to open up league play at Al Lang Stadium with a massive result over the Riverhounds.
Bet: Tampa Bay ML (2.15)
Tulsa v Las Vegas
1.65 - 3.40 - 4.50
For the first time since October 2024, Tulsa have gone two consecutive league games without scoring a goal, as they played out a 0-0 result against San Antonio in their home opener last week. After their result midweek over Little Rock Rangers in the Cup (tied for joint-highest scoring BTTS result of the round), Tulsa will welcome Las Vegas to ONEOK Field this weekend. Las Vegas, having sat idle during the midweek, came back from 2-0 down against Colorado Springs last week to tie things up with ten minutes to go, only for an own goal to be their undoing as the Lights lost 3-2 to the Switchbacks. While I give credit to Las Vegas for getting back into the game, Colorado Springs still outshot them 21-9 in the match and were deserved winners. Looking towards the match tomorrow, Las Vegas has still yet to defeat Tulsa in a head-to-head meeting since 2018, but eight of those nine previous matchups were all BTTS, including the four previous meetings here in Tulsa. A draw has been this series’ most common outcome, occurring six times. While Tulsa have been slow to get their season started, I do think they avoid another scoreless game (three in a row scoreless would be a first for Tulsa since July 2024). But Las Vegas has shown some fight in these opening games to make things challenging for the reigning West champions.
Bet 1: Tulsa win or tie, BTTS (2.05)
Bet 2: Tulsa to score first (1.53)
San Antonio v New Mexico
2.15 - 2.90 - 3.20
It’s a rematch of a Western Conference first round match from last year’s playoffs (which saw New Mexico beat San Antonio 2-0). This meeting however is in a stadium where San Antonio has beaten New Mexico just three times in nine all-time matches—and none in the last three matches NMU has visited SAFC. Having both advanced in the USOC midweek from wins at home, these 2025 playoff teams will be looking for similarly good seasons this year ahead. Last time out in the league, San Antonio held the reigning league runner-ups, Tulsa, to a scoreless draw, while New Mexico lost their season opener 2-1 away at Oakland.
This venue being a strangely strong setting for New Mexico to get results is quite the surprise when evaluating this series historically. I’ll back New Mexico to pick a win at this ground once more for that trend.
Bet: New Mexico ML (3.20)
Orange County v Colorado Springs
2.80 - 3.20 - 2.25
It was a pair of back-to-back 1-1 draws for Orange County to open the season, while Colorado Springs opened the year with similar BTTS and unbeaten outcomes in their two games played but picked up a win in one of those games. From both sides advancing in the USOC midweek, this long-time USLC Western Conference matchup renews its series (Orange County leading with 11 wins all-time, 2 draws and 9 Colorado Springs wins). The Switchbacks however have just one win away at Orange County in their last seven visits to southern California—four of those games were win to nils in favor of Orange County. In three of the last five meetings of these two teams, we have seen BTTS as well. Result wise, this is my toughest game to predict of the week, but I do think we see BTTS once more.
Bet: BTTS - Yes (1.80)
Phoenix v Oakland
1.90 - 3.40 - 3.40
All aboard the Ryan Martin-Oakland Roots hype train! We called it last week thinking Oakland would pull off the result against New Mexico BTTS, and these Roots are continuing a strong start to the season. Having the opportunity to rest and prepare for this match against Phoenix, sets up a big opportunity for Oakland to get their first win away at Rising since September 2022. Phoenix’s start to the league season has left a bit to be desired, but they did win 4-0 in the Cup midweek. As of late when these two teams have faced, we have seen some thrilling matches—last time out was a fun 3-3 draw in September 2025. The last time Oakland has won three games in a row in the league was in June 2024, and I think we have to keep backing Martin’s Roots side until it does not cash a wager for us—especially at these odds.
Bet: Oakland ML (3.40)
Sacramento v Monterey Bay
1.50 - 3.60 - 5.75
I just do not trust this Monterey Bay team yet, and my Elo ratings already have MBFC as the USLC’s lowest team at the moment (back-to-back losses without scoring a goal will do that to a rating though). Dating back to last season, Monterey Bay has not led a match in any of their last five played, coincidentally the last time it happened came against their opponents, Sacramento, when MBFC won 1-0 on September 27th of last season. Republic spent the midweek with a with a 2-0 win over El Farolito in the Cup, while their league form has been a solid start for Neill Collins’ squad. Two clean sheets to open the year, their first back-to-back clean sheets in the league since September 2025. Going up against a Monterey Bay team who has not won any of the their previous three visits to Heart Health Park, backing Sacramento to not only win this one, but likely to hold Monterey Bay’s offense to an unproductive evening.
Bet: Sacramento win to nil (2.25)
USL1
Spokane v NY Cosmos
1.36 - 5.00 - 6.00
While it was great to see the Cosmos back playing soccer again, their home opener at Hinchcliffe Stadium likely was less than ideal as they lost 3-1 to Portland Hearts of Pine. A trip across the country awaits them as they take on last season’s runner-ups at Spokane Velocity. For being a challenging location to visit, Spokane’s home form was only the sixth best in the league last season (and the only team along with Omaha, of the top six in home form to lose back-to-back home league games last year). Coupled with this game being played at 12pm local time, the travel adjustment for the Cosmos is already a challenge. Velocity needed a 89’ penalty to win 2-1 against USL2 stalwart Ventura County to advance in the Cup midweek. But, I have picked Spokane to make three wins from three games across all competitions with another win this weekend.
Bet: Spokane -1.5 spread (1.95)
Richmond v Naples
2.70 - 3.40 - 2.20
Richmond needed that 2-0 result midweek in the USOC over NoVa. After a lackluster performance against AV Alta two weeks ago (that still resulted in a draw), this match should build some confidence towards the weekend the Kickers will hope. Naples should feel rather good about their start to the season, first time since September 2025 they have scored multiple goals in consecutive league games for an unbeaten start to the year, plus advancing in the USOC themselves. Naples did manage to get the better of Richmond last year in both of their meetings, winning each by a score of 2-1. If there is one thing the Kickers will want to have this year, it’s a better home record as they had the second worst in the league last season (though Naples’ away form was not much better). I think this game will largely be predicated on how well Naples’ offense will do. I am picking Naples to get a result out of this match and to likely score multiple goals once more, as I still have question marks on if Richmond can do their part in the scoring.
Bet: Naples ML (2.20)
AV Alta v Portland
2.45 - 3.60 - 2.37
The story of last season for AV Alta was the collapse of their form in the second half of the campaign, which also saw just one win in their final six home games played. Alta this year have the benefit of their first five games played (four in the league and one USOC match they had shockingly lost to Valley 559 FC) being at home. Portland being one of the better teams away from home last season (fifth best away record in the league), will certainly do all they can to test this AV Alta home field advantage. Hearts of Pine are off the back of a high-scoring 3-1 win over the Cosmos to open league play, but the story of the week has to be their defeat to Vermont in the USOC first round that undoubtedly is a disappointment for Portland.
This matchup of two teams at either end of the country produced some fun fixtures last season, each game going over 1.5 goals including a thrilling 2-2 draw when last these teams met in October 2025. I think Portland get the result off of AV Alta this weekend, in another fun, high-scoring contest.
Bet: Portland win or tie, Over 2.5 goals (2.70)
Omaha v Boise
No odds as of writing
AC Boise looked rather impressive in their first match as a club, both on and off the pitch, in their 1-0 win over Sarasota two weeks ago. A trip across the country is never easy in USL1 so a massive performance for Nate Miller’s squad and shout out to the Boise away fans who made the trip! A visit to one of USL1’s best teams in Union Omaha, provides an enticing early season test for the Idaho club, especially having gone two weeks since their last match played. Omaha has been the class of USL1 for many seasons since having joined the league and very much represent everything Boise will likely be striving to achieve as a club. Omaha were able to advance in the USOC this week in style with an 8-0 win over BOHFS St Louis, just days after their opening season loss to Spokane last week (with 60% possession and more shots in the match).
I think we see a very respectable showing from Miller’s Boise team this weekend, and they give Omaha a really good match. A stat that stands out to be is that Omaha ended last season with 11 games unbeaten at home in the league, but I just have a feeling about this Boise team this year.
Bet: Boise win or tie
Parlays
ML Parlay:
Loudoun, Charleston, Sacramento ML (3.79)
Tampa Bay, Louisville ML (3.54)
Hartford, Portland ML (4.75)
Spokane, Naples ML (3.00)
BTTS/Goals Parlay:
Spokane v NY Cosmos and AV Alta v Portland both over 2.5 goals (2.59)
Louisville v Rhode Island BTTS - Yes & Sacramento v Monterey Bay BTTS - No (3.05)
Loudoun v Miami over 2.5 goals, Orange County v Colorado Springs BTTS - Yes (2.82)
Tulsa v Las Vegas BTTS - Yes, Hartford over 1.5 team goals (3.85)
Underdog Parlay:
Oakland ML, New Mexico win or tie (5.34)
Oakland, New Mexico, Detroit all win or tie (4.38)
Kaylor Hodges ™ No-Draws in USLC Parlay: 11.49
Kaylor Hodges ™ No-Draws in USL1 Parlay (Saturday only): 1.69
Non-USL Related Bets:
Other Soccer:
MLS:
Chicago win or tie (1.61)
Charlotte v NY Red Bulls Under 2.5 goals (2.07)
Charlotte ML (2.30)
Nashville ML, Vancouver win or tie (1.75)
Sporting KC v Colorado BTTS - Yes, Over 2.5 goals (1.72)
Cincinnati v Montreal BTTS - Yes, Over 2.5 goals (2.00)
MLS ATGS Picks:
Brian White (VAN): 1.90
Hany Mukhtar (NSH): 2.00
Anders Dreyer (SD): 2.05
Emmanuel Latte Lath (ATL): 2.50
England/Scotland:
Brighton v Liverpool, Everton v Chelsea BTTS - Yes parlay (2.61)
Leeds v Brentford over 2.5 goals (1.90)
Newcastle ML, over 1.5 goals (2.05)
Aston Villa ML (1.90)
Tottenham v Nottingham Forest BTTS - Yes, Over 2.5 goals (2.20)
Nottingham Forest win or tie (1.61)
Arsenal to lift EFL Cup (1.72)
Arsenal v Manchester City over 8.5 total corners (1.80)
Bristol City v West Bromwich BTTS - Yes (1.80)
Sheffield United v Wrexham BTTS - Yes, Over 2.5 goals (2.10)
Swansea v Coventry BTTS - Yes (1.90)
Middlesbrough ML (1.81)
Falkirk ML (1.81)
Motherwell v Hibs BTTS - Yes (1.75)
Celtic -1.5 spread (2.35)
Europe:
Cologne v Borussia Monchengladbach and Wolfsburg v Werder Bremen BTTS - Yes (2.53)
Luis Diaz ATGS for Bayern Munich v Union Berlin (1.95)
AC Milan, Juventus, Como ML parlay (2.25)
Roma, Inter Milan ML parlay (2.39)
Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid v Atletico Madrid each BTTS - Yes (2.75)
Other Sports:
NCAA Tournament:
Friday first round
Iowa ML (1.80)
UCLA -5.5 (1.86)
Saturday second round
Nebraska +2 (1.90)
Gonzaga -6.5 (1.90)
Houston, Duke, Michigan State ML parlay (2.09)
NHL:
Friday
Hurricanes, Avalanche ML parlay (1.89)
Nathan MacKinnon ATGS (1.71)
Panthers at Flames over 5.5 goals (1.80)
Saturday
Blue Jackets, Penguins ML parlay (2.58)
Canadiens ML (1.71)
NBA:
Pistons, Rockets, Nuggets ML parlay (3.31)
NASCAR - Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway
Toyota winning manufacturer (1.95)
Joe Gibbs Racing winning team (2.40)
William Byron top Chevrolet driver (3.25)
Denny Hamlin top five finish (1.83)
Chris Buescher top ten finish (2.40)
Erik Jones top ten finish (3.50)
Briscoe or Hamlin either to win (3.30)
Head-to-head bets:
Bubba Wallace to beat Joey Logano (1.76)
Chase Briscoe to beat Kyle Larson (2.10)
Connor Zilisch to beat Josh Berry (2.10)
Final Thoughts
My first visit to the movie theater in 2026 occurred last night as I watched Project Hail Mary (2026). I have to say I quite enjoyed the film (4/5 stars on my Letterboxd). The visuals were stunning, whilst at its core, having a great story. Gosling puts in a very strong performance as well. One scene in particular was so visually stunning that it has been replaying in my mind since yesterday. Give it a watch!
Big week for trailers elsewhere though between Dune Part Three and Spider-Man: Brand New Day! Let the theories for the latter occupy my thoughts until July, while I anticipate Dune Part Three in December (releasing on the same day as Avengers: Doomsday no less)!
Follow me on Bluesky @ilm-ryan.bsky.social and follow the USL Show, @theUSLshow.bsky.social.