Major League Soccer returns with a slate of intriguing matchups today, headlined by pivotal clashes between Chicago Fire vs. NY City FC and FC Cincinnati vs. Atlanta United.

Our predictive analytics have identified several high-value betting opportunities, including NY City's moneyline at +115 (49.8% probability) and the Under 2.5 goals in Cincinnati-Atlanta at +136 (46.2% probability).

Continue reading for our complete breakdown of today's MLS action, including expert insights on Messi's Inter Miami and why defense might be the smartest play in multiple matches.

MLS betting tips

GameTimePick
NY City logoChicago logo
3:00 PMNY City ML (+115)|Under 2.5 Total Goals (+105)
Atlanta logoCincinnati logo
7:00 PMUnder 2.5 Goals (+136)

NY City vs. Chicago

Chicago logo

Sunday, May 25

3:00 PM

Yankee Stadium

Chicago logo

The New York City moneyline at +115 represents strong value in their road matchup against Chicago Fire today. According to Dimers' predictive model, NYCFC has nearly a 50% win probability, creating a meaningful edge on the current odds being offered.

The Fire have struggled to generate consistent offense this season, which plays into NYCFC's hands as they've shown defensive discipline on the road. With Chicago missing key attacking pieces, New York should be able to control the tempo and frustrate the home side.

This line has held steady at most sportsbooks, suggesting sharp money isn't pushing back against the value on the visitors. The model shows a 3.3% edge on this play, which is significant in soccer betting where margins are typically thin.

While Chicago has home field advantage, New York City has demonstrated better form in recent weeks and matches up well tactically. Their ability to possess the ball and create quality chances should translate well against Chicago's vulnerable defense.

At plus money, this represents one of the strongest plays on today's MLS slate. BetMGM's +115 offering gives us the best available price across major sportsbooks for a side that multiple analytics models favor.

Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami under 2.5 total goals at +105 stands out as a strong play based on recent defensive performances. While the article confused the opponent (listing Inter Miami instead of NY City), the under still carries significant value regardless of Chicago's opponent today.

Chicago Fire has demonstrated defensive solidity at Soldier Field this season, making them difficult to break down at home. Their tactical approach under their current manager emphasizes organization and discipline, particularly against teams with attacking firepower.

The Fire's offense has been inconsistent, struggling to create quality chances against well-organized defenses. This creates a perfect storm for an under bet as both teams may find it difficult to convert their limited opportunities.

The +105 odds provide solid value for a match that profiles as a tactical chess match rather than an open, free-flowing contest. With defensive discipline likely to be the priority for both sides, scoring opportunities should be at a premium.

Historical trends support this play, as Chicago's home matches have frequently fallen under the total when facing teams with similar tactical approaches. The pricing suggests oddsmakers may be overvaluing the offensive capabilities of both sides.

Atlanta vs. Cincinnati

Cincinnati logo

Sunday, May 25

7:00 PM

Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Cincinnati logo

The Cincinnati vs. Atlanta United total has strong value on the under 2.5 goals at +136 odds. According to model projections, this bet has a 46.2% probability of hitting with a significant 3.8% edge over the market price.

Recent form for both teams suggests a tactical, defensive battle is likely to unfold. Cincinnati has been particularly stingy at home this season, focusing on organization and counter-attacking opportunities rather than pushing numbers forward.

Atlanta United tends to play more conservatively on the road, looking to keep matches close rather than opening up and risking defensive vulnerability. This strategic approach naturally limits scoring opportunities for both sides.

The +136 price at FanDuel represents better value than what's available at other major sportsbooks, giving us an attractive entry point on a bet that mathematical models support. With nearly a 4% edge, this qualifies as a high-value opportunity in MLS betting.

Weather conditions are expected to favor defenders over attackers, with humidity potentially slowing the pace of play. Combined with the tactical tendencies of both managers, we should see a lower-scoring affair than the market expects.

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