MLS Expert Picks for 8/16: Two Picks on the Pitch to Close out the Weekend
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Sun Aug 16, 2026, 11:50 am ET
Read Time: 4 minutes
MLS
Spread
Total
Moneyline
+0.0
-102
2.5
+450o
+260
Spread
Total
Moneyline
+0.0
-108
3
+105u
+162
Yesterday in the MLS, we hunted out three plus money picks. We only hit one of two, with a couple of heartbreaking losses that just didn't swing our way. However, there are four MLS matches on tonight's slate, so let's see what our experts scared up with their favorite picks. We are still up on the year despite yesterday's losses, let's keep building.
- MLS YTD
- 28-26-1 (51.9%)
- +3.14u
- Average Odds: +116
Head over to our MLS Picks Page for our expert's soccer analysis, or read my best bets below.
Major League Soccer: Sunday's Predictions August 16
New York City FC vs. Philadelphia Union MLS Picks
Hannes Wolf scored early the last time New York City faced off against the Union
Best Bet: NYCFC/Philadelphia Under 3 (-128) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
I will pay the dollar 28 for some push potential on this total, but I also endorse the under 2.5 for +127 if you have more stones. Earlier this season, these two teams went head to head in Philadelphia. In that match, New York City walked away with a 2-1 victory. However, NYC led 1-0 for a majority of the match. The Union found an equalizer in the 89′ after conceding in the 36′ minute. However, NYC kept pushing and found a late winner in stoppage time, following a red card from Philadelphia. Point being, we should've seen this game stay well under the total.
Tonight, I see New York City playing solid defense, just like they do every match at home. They rarely lose in front of their own fans, and they also are known for earning shutouts at Yankee Stadium as well. Despite this team being slightly more offensive focused than in past years, I have faith in their defense coming alive against the Union's offense on Sunday, resulting in a low scoring match.
Give me a 1-1 draw so both teams can kind of feel good about something.
Prediction: 1-1 Draw (+600)
Seattle Sounders vs. Vancouver Whitecaps MLS Picks
Thomas Müller and the Whitecaps needs some positive mojo to help them through the second half of this MLS season
Best Bet: Vancouver Whitecaps ML (-120) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
The Vancouver Whitecaps looked lost during the Leagues Cup competition, losing all three matches at home. However, I'm not totally sure they were so worried about that tournament. This team is sitting on top of the Western Conference on the MLS table, and I believe they are much more focused on finishing strong in domestic play, which leads us to tonight's match at Lumen Field.
Typically, I like to back Seattle when they play at home, but this season has been different. The Sounders are not an MLS Cup contender, despite what others (me) might have thought prior to the season. They also struggled in the Leagues Cup matches, and I see them having their hands full tonight. The two teams met twice in the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16. Seattle won both matches outright, even shutting out Vancouver at home.
But, but but… this is league play. The Whitecaps have dominated all season long, and I don't see them stopping. Vancouver was unbeaten against Seattle in two MLS matches last season, and nothing should change now. This team is highly motivated to keep their foot on the gas, and they have the talent to roll past their hosts tonight.
Prediction: Vancouver Whitecaps Win 2-1 (+725)
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Nate has been a recreational sports bettor for about 5 years. In that time, he has grown to love the pursuit of winners and sticking it to The Man. Nate loves data and uses his understanding of numbers to help him be a more profitable sports gambler, however he will be the first to tell you this game is about more than just stats.
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