MLS Cup 2024: With a little over a week standing between us and the dawn of a new MLS season, it’s time to take a look at the betting odds. The Philadelphia Union fell a little short of expectations in 2023, but that was to be expected given the gauntlet of extra games they had to endure. Now they’re used to a heavier slate, can the Union get over the line and bring home an MLS Cup for the first time?
It might not be the worst decision in the world to back Philly early, either. Take a look at Jalen Hurts for example. The young quarterback was 35/1 at the beginning of the 2022 season to win the MVP Award. Prior to picking up a shoulder sprain, he was around 1/2 to win the coveted award. A cash out on a bet placed months ago would’ve yielded huge returns and there’s every chance that being early on the Union would net a similar result.
MLS Cup Odds: How do the Philadelphia Union stack up?
MLS Cup Odds: Philadelphia Unions among the best of the rest
2023 was always going to be a tough year for the Union. After claiming their first-ever Supporters Shield only to fall agonizingly short in the MLS Cup Final, Jim Curtin had the tricky task of rallying his troops to take on an entirely different challenge.
There are 34 MLS games in a season. Thanks to Leagues Cup and CONCACAF Champions League play, the Union ended up playing in 51 games. That’s a huge spike and one that certainly took its toll. But now they’re used to the rigors of such a demanding season, can the Union get back to where they belong?
It’s certainly not going to be easy. Six of their opening ten games are on the road and four of them are against teams who made the playoffs last year. The good news is that a relatively tame offseason sees a strong core of players returning to the field in 2024, many of whom are now battle tested with each other.
utgoing Players
- D – Anton Sorenson – Option Declined
- GK – Joe Bendik – Option Declined
- M – Andres Perea – Traded to NYCFC
- F – Nelson Pierre – Loan to Skövde AIK through 2024
- M – Richard Odada – Loan to Aalborg BK through June 30, 2024
Incoming Players
D – Kai Wagner – Re-Signed
M – Ale Bedoya – Re-Signed
GK – Oliver Semmle – Transfer from Louisville City
F – Markus Anderson – Transfer from Rayo Majadahonda
M – Sanders Ngabo – Transfer from Lyngby Boldklub
D – Isaiah LeFlore – Signed from Houston Dynamo 2
M – Nick Pariano – Homegrown
D – Jamir Berdecio – Loan from Oriente Petrolero
If you are bullish on Jim Curtin’s ability to get the most out of this group of players, then this is a great time to bet on the Union. If they do start out hot, then these odds will move quickly and while catching Inter Miami as MLS Cup Favorites is an audacious task, all they need to do is punch their ticket to the playoffs and aim for a better finish than last year’s 4th place in the Eastern Conference.
MLS Cup: Best betting promo
Mandatory Credit: Philadelphia Union
