MLS Picks and Predictions for May 23, 2026

Nate Hornung

Written by: Nate Hornung

Published: Fri May 22, 2026, 3:12 pm ET

Read Time: 5 minutes

Emil Forsberg leads the Red Bulls with five assists while appearing in all 14 matches this season - MLS Picks

MLS

Our MLS picks for the weekend are live! Now, after starting out hot, we have cooled off. But thanks to plenty of plus money wagers, we are treading water and still see ourselves in the green. Let's hope we can keep it going this weekend with three more picks in my favorite MLS matches. Check out my picks and predictions below.

  • MLS YTD
  • 16-16 (50%)
  • +0.73u
  • 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: Saturday's Predictions May 23

Nashville SC vs. New York City FC MLS Picks

Hany Mukhtar has six goals and leads Nashville with five assists this year - MLS Picks

Hany Mukhtar has six goals and leads Nashville with five assists this year

Best Bet: Nashville SC ML/Under 4.5 (+113) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

Nashville SC sits alone on top of the Eastern Conference, two points ahead of Inter Miami with an extra match in hand. I see them extending that lead as they host New York City FC this weekend. Now, NYCFC is fifth on the table so far this season, but I have very little faith in their offensive production, especially away from home.

They are coming off a 1-0 loss to the Columbus Crew in the US Open Cup, and have suffered MLS road losses to Montreal and Vancouver this year. Nashville beat LAFC 3-2 last Sunday at GEODIS Park, and are unbeaten at home in MLS play, suffering just one loss in Music City this competition season. They have the best back line in the MLS, conceding just 10 goals so far this year, and I see them earning an easy win in front of their home crowd this weekend. Their moneyline is playable by itself in my eyes, so I hope we aren't getting too greedy by taking this same game parlay for plus money.

Prediction: Nashville Wins 2-0 (+750)

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Portland Timbers vs. San Jose Earthquakes MLS Picks

Preston Judd leads the Earthquakes with nine goals so far this MLS season - MLS Picks

Preston Judd leads the Earthquakes with nine goals so far this MLS season

Best Bet: San Jose Earthquakes Draw No Bet (-120) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

I'll continue to back the Earthquakes for a reasonable price and push potential. We need a win to cash, so feel free to take the moneyline if you'd rather, but I'll be satisfied with our bet being returned with a draw. The Timbers have been much better at home than on the road this season, but I still can't trust them. Especially against teams that can score a ton.

So far this year, Portland lost 2-0 to Inter Miami, Real Salt Lake and Minnesota, and 3-2 to the Vancouver Whitecaps. They concede plenty against top offenses. Three of those four teams listed are in the top three of their conference. Now they face the Earthquakes who rank second in the West on the table, but first in goals scored, netting 2.21 per match. Despite losing their last three overall, I trust San Jose to put enough in the back of the net to win this game. Their team total could also be a look, but it is priced at -132. If they score two goals, it should be enough to win, especially with as good as their back line has been playing.

Prediction: San Jose Earthquakes Win 2-1 (+850)

Sporting KC vs. New York Red Bulls MLS Picks

Best Bet: Sporting KC/New York Red Bulls Draw + Over 1.5 Goals (+325) Lucky Rebel Sportsbook

This is a total plums play. I think we see tons of fireworks in Kansas City in this match, as the over 3.5 is even money, while both teams to score is priced at -275. Both the Red Bulls and SKC have allowed over 30 goals this year in just 14 matches (13 for Sporting), but the NY Red Bulls offense has been clicking. Sporting only nets one goal per match this season, but they've scored five in their last two overall, coming off two wins.

Give me a 1-1 or 2-2 draw for over 3-1 odds for a fun flyer.

Prediction: 2-2 Draw (+900)

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Nate Hornung
Nate Hornung

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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