The LA Galaxy had to make a cross country flight to face the New York Red Bulls in New Jersey this afternoon. Despite a talented squad, the Red Bulls were the lowest seeded wildcard, and per MLS playoff rules have to face the Supporters’ Shield Winner. The strange effect this has on the odds, is a top seeded team is the underdog against the lowest seed in the postseason.
According to Bet365.com, a favorite betting site of English Premier League fans, the New York Red Bulls are +130 (so if you bet $100, you’d get $230 with a NY win) and the LA Galaxy are +220 (so if you bet $100, you’d get $320 with an LA win). A draw (after 90 minutes for betting purposes) is listed at +210.
It’s not hard to see why. The Red Bulls are talented, they’re at home, and they haven’t lost to the Galaxy this year. NY played to a 1-1 draw at the Home Depot Center, then beat the Galaxy 2-0 when the club flew to New Jersey without Landon Donvan or Robbie Keane.
On top of that, a state of emergency has been declared in the area do to an unexpected snowstorm. Things should be cleared on the pitch, but fans are being advised to bring a coat and hat with temperatures around 45 degrees.