MLS Expert Picks for 8/19: Three Picks for Wednesday’s Action
Written by: Nate Hornung
Published: Wed Aug 19, 2026, 10:35 am ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
MLS
The MLS blesses us with a full 15 match slate on Wednesday, keeping us entertained until the weekend. Our soccer experts dove into the slate and came up with three of their favorite picks! Check them out below to see if you are tailing or fading. Despite the positive results this season, we've been slipping on recent slates. Time to turn things back around.
- MLS YTD
- 29-27-1 (51.8%)
- +2.97u
- 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: Wednesday's Predictions August 19
Toronto FC vs. Charlotte FC MLS Picks
Tyger Smalls got a few starts in the Leagues Cup, will he make a difference for Charlotte in MLS play?
Best Bet: Charlotte FC Draw No Bet (+120) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
Once again, we hunted out plus money with push potential and found it in backing this away side. Let's talk some history. Charlotte has now beaten Toronto FC straight up in four consecutive matches. And recently, they haven't been close. Charlotte won 3-1 earlier this year at home, beat them 2-0 in Charlotte and Toronto last year, and beat them 3-2 at home in 2024.
While Toronto is unbeaten in their last two overall, I don't think they will be able to keep up with their visitors. In every contest, Charlotte has dominated the stat sheet, controlling most of the possession and winning the shots on goal and corner kick battles. They shouldn't have an issue doing it again, and if they do, I'm fine walking away with no blood if they draw.
Prediction: Charlotte Wins 1-0 (+1000)
Colorado Rapids vs. LAFC MLS Picks
Bouanga and LAFC take on the Colorado Rapids on the road tonight in the MLS
Best Bet: LAFC Draw No Bet (-103) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
I'll back another road team to get the win, and if they only earn a point, a push is fine with me. LAFC burned us this past weekend, while we hit with Colorado, but I'll fade the Rapids tonight, even at home. The visitors are one of the best teams in the entire MLS, and you could argue they are one of the most talented on paper as well. They just can't score recently, but I'll be betting on that changing.
For starters, LAFC has a great back line. They are more than capable of shutting down this Rapids offense and containing them, even if Colorado sees some uptick in offensive production in Denver. Earlier in April, the teams played to a scoreless draw in LA where the Rapids controlled over 70% possession. That is not going to happen again. Even with minimal chances, LAFC still put two shots on frame and won the corner kick battle. I also wagered on LAFC on the double chance line, paired with under 3.5 for +120.
Again, this is a match LAFC can win, but even if they don't, I want to cash something if we see another scoreless draw, or even a 1-1 final.
Prediction: LAFC Wins 2-1 (+850)
Seattle Sounders vs. Austin FC MLS Picks
Albert Rusnak has three goals and five assists for the Sounders in 17 matches this year
Best Bet: Sounders ML/Under 4.5 (+133) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook
I understand the Sounders have not been great this year, but at home against Austin, this is perfect spot to get right. Both of these teams are towards the bottom of the Western Conference, but I'll be backing the hosts tonight. The Sounders have lost four of their last five matches at home, and they even lost to Austin in Texas in July. But the visitors completely shut down when they are on the road.
This team is 0-3-7 on the road this year, plus they have lost and been shutout in four straight matches on the road. This is a great situation for the Sounders to get back to form, find three points at home, and begin a late season playoff push. Their moneyline is playable by itself, so there's no need to get greedy like I am.
Prediction: Sounders Win 2-0 (+900)
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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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