USL Odds, May 8
No rest for the largest league in the world.
It was a successful return last week for our bets beyond USL, along with our parlays hitting in USL plus some upset picks that earned us nice returns as well. I’ll be making this a shorter article this week just highlighting the USLC and USL1 matches ahead for the weekend. It’s still a full slate of games for both leagues as we move towards the summer. Best of luck on your wagers this 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 Thursday, May 7th. No odds will be listed for USL1 games due to when this piece was written.
Previous Week Recap:
Here are the bets that paid off from last week’s article:
USL: Oakland win or draw, BTTS - Yes (2.30), Detroit or Louisville to win (1.28), Charleston win to nil (2.37), Brooklyn win or tie first half (1.44), BTTS - Yes, Las Vegas win or tie match (2.40), Tulsa win or tie, BTTS - Yes (2.30), Fort Wayne v Charlotte Over 2.5 total goals (1.80), Omaha ML, Omaha to score first (1.95), Boise ML (2.25)
Parlays: Boise, Omaha ML parlay (3.93), Las Vegas v Lexington and Monterey Bay v Tulsa each BTTS - Yes (3.10), Knoxville win or tie, Oakland win or tie (2.35)
Beyond USL: New England ML (2.15), Atlanta v Montreal BTTS - Yes (1.72), San Diego v LAFC BTTS - Yes, LAFC Win or tie (2.05), Preston Judd (SJ) ATGS (2.50), Carles Gil (NE) ATGS (2.75), Wolves v Sunderland BTTS - Yes (1.90), Newcastle ML (2.50), Arsenal ML (1.45), Manchester United v Liverpool BTTS - Yes, Manchester United win or tie (1.95), Ipswich, Millwall ML parlay (1.69), Sheffield Wedneday or tie (2.50), Southampton ML (1.96), Bolton v Luton BTTS - Yes/Over 2.5 total goals (1.80), Stevenage, Plymouth ML parlay (2.10), Celtic ML, BTTS - Yes (3.00), Hearts v Rangers BTTS - Yes, Hearts win or tie (2.30), Inverness CT, Stenhousemuir ML parlay (2.30), Edinburgh v Dumbarton over 2.5 total goals (1.57), Villarreal ML (1.70), Mainz ML (2.55), Freiburg v Wolfsburg BTTS - Yes, Wolfsburg win or tie (2.15), Reds at Pirates over 8 total runs (1.86), Brewers, Rays ML parlay (2.70), Acuna Jr (ATL), Moniak (COL) each 1+ hit parlay (1.71), Emmet Sheehan (LAD) 6+ strikeouts (2.00), Lakers +3.5 (1.90), Golden Knights ML (1.86), Canes ML (1.45), Chase Elliott to win H2H v Chase Briscoe (1.86), Chase Elliott top ten finish (1.80), Daniel Suarez to win a group of himself, Kyle Busch, Austin Dillon, Noah Gragson (2.55), Chase Elliott outright win (19.00)
USL Championship
Lexington v Monterey Bay
1.57 - 3.60 - 5.00
This matchup features two clubs in the cellar of the Western Conference, one team many expected to be there and the other that are shockingly floundering to open their campaign. The former, Monterey Bay, seem on the verge of finding that first win inside 90’ eventually. MBFC have scored in their last four games across all competitions, but have not kept a clean sheet in any of them—losing two of those games by at least -1.5 spread from their victorious opponents too. Lexington meanwhile have gone five games in the league without a win for the first time since October 2025. While the Kentucky team managed to get a massive 4-2 win at home in the Prinx Cup two weekends ago, it was a bad 2-1 loss away at Las Vegas last weekend that’s sent Lexington back to the drawing board.
I think crucially for this match, Lexington are back at home. While Lexington been woeful away from home this season (and since September 2025 without a win away), Monterey Bay might be the one team in the league worse away from home than Lexington. The California club have gone 412 days and counting since their last road victory in the league (3-0 away at Orange County). It’s a battle of teams that both are worthy to fade, but until I see a victory out of Monterey Bay, I just cannot trust them. Reluctantly, Lexington get a win here.
Bet: Lexington ML, over 1.5 total goals (2.00)
Colorado Springs v Orange County
1.57 - 3.60 - 4.75
A really intriguing nightcap of a match to close out our Friday as Colorado Springs hosts Orange County. Two teams from opposite sides of the total goals scored statline, as Orange County are averaging 1.67 total goals a game (even with their five-goal thriller last weekend v Sacramento in a 3-2 loss) while Colorado Springs (off the back of a 3-3 draw) are averaging 3.86 total goals a game. Which side ends up controlling this match is going to be really fascinating, especially with how low-scoring Orange County games have been this year (best defense in the West to open the year).
Colorado Springs have been tied at halftime of six of their seven total games to open the season, but have yet to trail at the break of a match this season. Furthermore, the Switchbacks have won four of the last five home games against Orange County as well (though OC hold a current three match winning streak over the Switchbacks). A win this week would go a long way for Colorado Springs in their quest to stay in the playoff spots even this early into the season.
Bet: First Half Result - Draw (2.25)
Brooklyn v Loudoun
2.25 - 3.30 - 2.70
We get our Saturday started in USLC with Brooklyn playing host to Loudoun. At the start of the season, I think many of us would be surprised not only that Brooklyn has wins on the board in the league before Loudoun. But playing at Coney Island is a new challenge for any visiting to such a narrow pitch. Both of Brooklyn’s wins have come at home this year and they’ve averaged just 0.8 goals allowed per home game. Furthermore, Brooklyn have scored the opening goal in their last two home games (and three of their last four games across all competitions). Loudoun enter this match still searching for the first win of the Limbrick era, but showed a lot of spirit and fight against their former manager last week with a 2-2 draw with Oakland. Looking at stats to open the year for Loudoun, they’ve still yet to be leading at halftime of a match, but it’s six draws through seven games, and they’re averaging 3.29 total goals scored in their first seven games played.
If Loudoun are to get a win to jumpstart their campaign, it really has to come here, but we’ve seen the likes of Charleston and Sacramento struggle with the size of the pitch against Brooklyn, who are gelling together more and more as the weeks go by. Without three points this week, I think I’m finding my panic button for Loudoun.
Bet 1: BTTS - Yes, Over 2.5 total goals (2.10)
Bet 2: First Half Result - Draw (2.20)
Hartford v Detroit
2.20 - 3.20 - 2.87
What a win it was for Detroit last weekend as they welcomed Louisville to Keyworth and earned a 2-1 result. The Michigan club are unbeaten in four of their last five games played in the league and now venture to a ground where they have only lost once all-time in five previous trips (2024). Hartford have become a bit of a worry results wise in recent weeks, and a fade for me personally. With no wins since March 21st, Hartford have not scored a goal against a USLC team in any of their last five games played—or 7.5 hours without a goal (or enough time to watch all of Iron Man’s screentime in the MCU with 92 minutes to spare).
With Detroit riding a wave of better form, I am inclined to side with the visitors in this match, but one stat jumping out to me is that both of these teams are averaging under 2.5 total goals per game, the two lowest marks in the East. Visitors get the result, Hartford might very well go goalless once more, but I’m not going to be that Austin bold and will play this one more safely.
Bet: Detroit win or tie, Under 3.5 total goals (1.90)
Indy Eleven v Jacksonville
1.65 - 3.60 - 4.33
“The losses will continue until morale improves”, sadly seems like the mantra for Jacksonville as they’ve had a tough start to life in USLC. Last weekend, an early red card saw Jacksonville play the majority of their 4-0 defeat to Charleston with 10 players, as the Floridian club have now gone their last five games across all competitions vs USLC clubs without a goal (four in the league). It’s been nearly eight hours since Jacksonville last scored a goal—Din Djarin, the titular character of The Mandalorian has 7 hours and 21 minutes of screentime across every Star Wars property he’s been featured in for comparison. For Indy Eleven, this match represents and excellent opportunity to rebound after a 1-0 defeat to Tampa Bay last weekend which was their first match they were shutout in since March 8th.
I’ve always felt a tad cautious in wagering against a team the longer a bad streak goes on for them. Surely, they cannot be bad forever right? It can’t go on like this, can it—insert Mick McCarthy “It can” meme here. And wouldn’t it just be the most Indy Eleven thing ever to give this Jacksonville team their first win as a club? No, not for the memes, Indy Eleven ML at minimum, but these Jacksonville odds are always going to be lopsided until they win, so we’ll need to add on some further wagers.
Bet: Indy Eleven ML, Over 1.5 Indy Eleven team goals (2.00)
Louisville v Pittsburgh
1.48 - 3.80 - 5.75
A pair of teams who might be scratching their heads at their defeats from last week, and will be looking to this week to rebound in form. For Louisville, it was a defeat to Detroit at a ground where Louisville have typically struggled at. For Pittsburgh, they were shutout at home in a loss for the first time since September 2025 (coincidentally against Louisville) as they fell 1-0 to Phoenix last weekend. As both sides look to keep pace with what’s becoming a rather crowded top half of the Eastern Conference, a win in this match would be massive for the victor, and leave the loser questioning what’s next?
Louisville have not lost back-to-back games in the league since July 2023, while have not lost back-to-back in the league in a year’s time. Pittsburgh are also looking for their first win over Louisville since July 2023 (their win that season in the midst of a three game losing streak for Louisville no less). Both of these teams are at least 60% hit rates in BTTS - Yes scorelines, and I just have more faith in this Louisville team to not make it back-to-back losses for the first time since Indiana Jones & the Dial of Destiny (2023) was in theaters.
Bet: Louisville win or draw, BTTS - Yes (2.30)
Rhode Island v Tampa Bay
2.60 - 3.25 - 2.35
I’ve been riding the hype train of the Tampa Bay Rowdies all early season start and it’s paid dividends for us as they are the last remaining unbeaten team left in the league. After a 1-0 win over Indy Eleven last week, the Rowdies’ fourth clean sheet in the league this season, Tampa Bay take their unbeaten record to a Rhode Island who’s form hit a skid last week after a shocking defeat to Birmingham at home. In what was Rhode Island’s heaviest home defeat since June 2025, two second half Legion goals ended RIFC’s five match unbeaten run against USLC clubs in all competitions. Having to refocus their season welcoming the top USLC team to Pawtucket is no small ask, but Rhode Island does have history on their side as they currently hold a three match win streak over Tampa Bay, including beating them 8-0 on aggregate in 2025’s two meetings. But this is a very different Tampa Bay team this season, and one that has yet to trail at halftime of a match as well while also carrying their 100% score first rate still too.
I am going to keep backing Tampa Bay until they let me down and with these odds, I’m keeping it simple.
Bet: Tampa Bay ML (2.35)
New Mexico v Las Vegas
1.80 - 3.50 - 3.70
Having games in hand may serve as a benefit for New Mexico later down the schedule, but it’s made for a slow start to their campaign here in 2026. However, they are off the back of a 2-2 draw against El Paso at home on Wednesday where they were leading at halftime and managed to scrap a point despite conceding 10 more shots from El Paso. Las Vegas meanwhile won only their second league game of the season with a 2-1 result over Lexington at home last week. One thing I have always relied on from Lights games this year is BTTS - Yes hitting—Las Vegas have yet to be shutout in a match this season and their 87% hit rate on BTTS - Yes is the league’s best mark (New Mexico is at 50% comparatively). With both sides averaging over 3 total goals scored per game, we may be in for a fun match as Dennis Sanchez readies his New Mexico side against his former team.
In a strange streak, the home team in this series has not won a match since March 2022 (2-0 win for New Mexico), eight games played since then. That was also the last time Las Vegas had been shutout in a visit to Isotopes Park, as six of those aforementioned eight games played saw BTTS - Yes/Over 2.5 total goals scoreline. I may sprinkle a bit on this Las Vegas team to get a result out of this match, but at minimum, let’s follow the other historical trend for goals.
Bet: BTTS - Yes/Over 2.5 total goals (2.20)
Oakland v El Paso
2.30 - 3.40 - 2.60
My pick for the USLC match of the weekend as #4 in the West Oakland Roots, plays host to #3 El Paso Locomotive. Two teams who had 2-2 draws on the road last time they played, Oakland last Saturday against Loudoun, El Paso on Wednesday against New Mexico. I’ve been a big believer in the Oakland Roots project that Ryan Martin has been leading, as the club have lost just once all season and are unbeaten in their last four games in the league (though three draws in that time). El Paso have made waves to open the season on a fast start, but now find themselves winless in their last three games for the first time since November 2025. While El Paso averaging a league high 4.13 total goals a game is entertaining, results betting for El Paso has been frustrating to predict. Each of these teams are 75% on BTTS - Yes scorelines this year as well.
In four previous trips to Oakland, El Paso have only won on just once occasion (October 2023), but perhaps the wave of good form that the Roots are on bodes well for their return to the Coliseum. Only once this season, their lone defeat on the year being at home to Orange County 1-0, has Oakland not scored the opening goal in a home game, but they welcome El Paso who are the conference’s best team away from home this season. This match might be the toughest one to predict this week for the USLC. Siding with the hosts to get the scoring started, but for points to be shared ultimately to make it four draws from their last five games in the league for Oakland.
Bet 1: Oakland to score first (1.83)
Bet 2: Draw (3.40)
Phoenix v San Antonio
2.20 - 3.10 - 2.90
Both of these sides had some absolutely unexpected results last week historically speaking. For Phoenix, it was their first win away at Pittsburgh since 2014, for San Antonio, their first 3-3 draw since 2023. But, to the visitor’s credit, it’s just one defeat in the league this season despite an own goal last weekend v Colorado Springs snatching a draw from the cusp of victory. One interesting streak Phoenix have currently been following is their last five games against USLC clubs have all been BTTS - No scorelines, with Phoenix having won three of those five games (two of those three games being 3-0 scorelines).
Rising are looking to win four games in a row in the league for the first time since April 2022, while San Antonio are trying to keep pace atop the Western Conference as they look for their first win away at Phoenix in the league since 2023. I think the opening goal of this match is incredibly crucial as with both of these teams averaging 2.5 total goals per game or fewer this season, we may be in for a tight fixture. A draw however is rare in this series, as each of the last seven games have seen a winner. Keep it low-scoring, but this match really could go either way.
Bet: Phoenix or San Antonio to win, Under 2.5 total goals (2.87)
USL1
Chattanooga v Sarasota
No odds as of writing
We get our USL1 Saturday started in Tennessee as Chattanooga hosts Sarasota. I’ve spoken previously about the weird scheduling to open the season for Chattanooga. The Red Wolves have played the fewest games against USL1 opposition to open the season (in just four league games and one Prinx Cup match), which has undoubtedly contributed to their winless start to the season. What lies before them is an expansion Sarasota team going through their own growing pains as they have just one win in their last five games played in the league, seemingly having gone cold. It’s the Sarasota defense that’s become a bit of a worry these past few weeks as these last five league games for Sarasota has seen them outscored 4-10 in that time.
If I’m Chattanooga, I am looking at this match as a great opportunity to wipe away the misfortune of a start to the season with a win over a struggling Sarasota Paradise—and that’s the result I am going to back (maybe against better judgement).
Bet: Chattanooga ML
Greenville v Richmond
No odds as of writing
A series renewed between these longtime USL1 stalwarts. Richmond are on the verge of winning three games in a row in the league for the first time since September 2022. Greenville are trying to avoid losing three games in a row in the league for the first time since September 2024. But what always follows this match is the current streak Greenville are riding, which is the Triumph have not lost to Richmond in 90’ in their last eight meetings (dating back to March 2023). For how chaotic USL1 is at times, streaks like this one persisting for as long as it has can be simply astounding. While Greenville are averaging over 2.5 total goals per game this season, Richmond have been under that figure averaging just 2 total goals per game.
To me, this feels like Richmond’s best opportunity in quite sometime to end this streak against Greenville and still, something is cautioning me to not bet the Kickers here. If we’re being safe, I like over 2.5 total goals in this match, but I might very well sprinkle a small Richmond ML wager here.
Bet: Over 2.5 total goals
Fort Wayne v Westchester
No odds as of writing
I have a feeling Fort Wayne will turn Ruoff Mortgage Stadium into a fortress, as after a 2-2 draw to open the ground last week against Charlotte, Fort Wayne earned their first three points with a victory over Portland, 3-0, on Wednesday of this week. Getting that win in front of the home crowd to reward their support is a massive platform for the team to build on in the weeks to come. Westchester arrive in a bit of bad form themselves, no wins inside 90’ in each of their last three games vs USL1 clubs and back-to-back road shutouts in the league (first time in club history). But what each tam has going for them is that they both average over 2.5 total goals per game (Westchester being one of the league’s higher goal involvement teams at 3.71 total goals per game). Westchester may have had a day’s extra rest since their last match last week, and Fort Wayne had the midweek game as well, but I just have a feeling the momentum carried from Wednesday’s win for the Indiana club, continues into the weekend. Would not shock me to see this game similarly high-scoring, but backing the hosts to get the win.
Bet: Fort Wayne ML
Omaha v Portland
No odds as of writing
If you’re Portland, a 3-0 defeat on Wednesday and having to face Omaha on Saturday is a less than ideal week on the schedule. Having been out-shot all night, Hearts of Pine gave Fort Wayne their first home victory as a club in the midweek. Omaha last week kept it clinical with a 2-0 win over Greenville (a pattern followed by Louisville in USLC all last year to win games by that scoreline). At 71% of their matches, Omaha is the second best team in the league at scoring first in games (bested only by Knoxville). Furthermore, Omaha have not lost a home game since July 2025 (2-1 v Tormenta). Given the midweek game Portland, coupled with the venue, it’s really hard to bet against Omaha in this one.
Bet 1: Omaha to score first, Omaha ML
Bet 2: Omaha 2-0 correct scoreline
Corpus Christi v Charlotte
No odds as of writing
Eamond Zayed will get this Corpus Christi team figured out eventually, but the Texan side, who had their first home game played last week (0-0 versus Spokane), are one of two teams in USL1 right now without a win. Charlotte had a massive 1-0 victory over Boise midweek that sees the club unbeaten in their last three games against USL1 opposition. Charlotte’s game in the midweek was actually the first match since their season opener that went under 2.5 total goals too. While Corpus Christi are currently on a stretch of back-to-back clean sheets versus USL1 clubs, the side have not scored multiple goals in a match since their season opener back in March. They need to figure out this attack before I can truly trust them more (and get a win on the board before I trust them to wager on their results). Going with the visitors to find a result from this one, and to keep it low-scoring.
Bet: Charlotte win or draw, under 2.5 total goals
AV Alta v Madison
No odds as of writing
I continue to be unable to get a proper read on this AV Alta team this 2026 season. As the last of two teams still without a win in the league this season, it should make this AV Alta team a reliable fade. But with four draws on the season (the most in the league), it’s shown this AV Alta can put in a performance capable of deserving points. For Madison, they did not let a 4-2 loss to Lexington in the Prinx Cup get them down as they immediately followed up that result with a strong 3-1 win away at Sarasota last weekend. It was Madison’s largest margin of victory away from home since October 2025, making this Madison’s best start to a USL1 season since 2021.
In their two meetings last season, it was a pair of draws, including one chaotic 3-3 result last September when Madison visited AV Alta (where it was 2-2 at halftime no less). With both teams averaging over 2.5 total goals a game this season, and AV Alta having a BTTS - Yes hit rate of over 80%, we might be in for a fun repeat showing of that 3-3 thriller. But I am backing Madison to find the opening goal at least, something the club have done in 60% of their games played this year.
Bet 1: Madison to score first
Bet 2: Over 2.5 total goals
Parlays
ML Parlay:
Lexington, Indy Eleven ML parlay (2.59)
Louisville, Tampa Bay ML parlay (3.47)
BTTS/Goals Parlay:
Brooklyn v Loudoun, New Mexico v Las Vegas, Oakland v El Paso all BTTS - Yes (4.52)
Lexington v Monterey Bay over 1.5 total goals, Indy Eleven v Jacksonville over 2.5 total goals, Hartford v Detroit under 3.5 total goals (2.65)
Underdog Parlay:
Detroit win or draw, Oakland v El Paso draw (5.27)
Kaylor Hodges ™ No-Draws in USLC Parlay: 8.51
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