MLS Matchday 1 Preview and Free Picks

 The new MLS season is just around the corner, and all the teams are getting ready to take the field to fight from Matchday 1 to lead their respective conferences.

The reigning champions, the LA Galaxy, are ready to give their all in every game in an attempt to retain their title. However, it is worth noting that many pundits believe they will not be able to repeat as champions, while these same pundits suggest that Leo Messi will lead Inter Miami to their first Championship this season.

Likewise, these are not the only teams that have the label of favorites. We are also talking about teams like LAFC, Minnesota, Atlanta United, and more, all of which made a good impression in last season’s playoffs. What is certain is that we will have thrills from start to finish in this 2025 MLS season.

Below, we bring you a preview of the first matches of the season, with their respective betting odds and our free predictions.

Probabilidades de apostas de escolhas semanais da MLS

Jornada 1 da MLS – Inter Miami x NYC FC

The start of the 2025 MLS season will be marked by the highly anticipated match between Inter Miami and New York City FC.

In their last ten meetings in Major League Soccer, Inter Miami and NYCFC have had intense matches, with the New York team losing just once. This dominance has been mostly in the past, as their only win against NYCFC came three years ago during Lionel Messi’s European exploits.

Inter Miami is aiming to start the 2025 MLS season strong and is considered one of the top contenders for the MLS Cup. Their roster is loaded with talent, with standout players such as Messi, Suarez, Busquets, and others. Despite their star-studded lineup, questions have been raised about their consistency after their failed attempt to reach the MLS Cup last season.

The age of Inter Miami’s experienced squad, including coach Javier Mascherano, could be a significant factor during the 2025 season, raising questions about whether their experience can overcome youthful energy.

NYC FC, on the other hand, enters the upcoming match with confidence despite being considered the underdogs. They have a solid team at all positions, particularly on offense, with Ojeda, Fernandez, and Martinez, last season’s leading scorer.

Defensively, captain Martins will play a key role in neutralizing Inter Miami’s potent offense, led by Messi and his talented teammates.

Para este jogo nosso prognóstico é de vitória do Inter Miami.

Inter Miami vs. NYC FC Betting Pick: Inter Miami

Jornada 1 da MLS – LAFC x Minnesota

Another match that dresses up to kick off this season will be between LAFC and Minnesota United.

Los Angeles FC embarks on its campaign as a top contender when it takes on Minnesota, a team that has historically posed challenges for Steve Cherundolo’s side. LAFC suffered a setback after coming close to winning the MLS title last year.

During the previous season, LA FC showed a good performance, advancing to the Western Conference semifinals. However, their journey came to a halt when they were eliminated by Seattle Sounders in a 1-2 loss.

On the other hand, Minnesota United’s journey did not go unnoticed last season either. The team managed to reach the Western Conference semifinals, but they fell to LA Galaxy, reigning champions, with a dreadful 2-6 score. Now, they will want to start the season on the right foot and prove that they are ready to fight against everyone.

Coach Eric Ramsay is leading an interesting evolution in the tactical landscape of the game by utilizing Bongokuhle Hlongwane in a versatile role that sees him switching between defense, midfield, and attack as needed during matches. Hlongwane’s hybrid position, combining aspects of full-back and striker, provides depth to the Loons’ lineup in contrast to teammate Joseph Rosales.

For this match, our prediction is an LA FC win.

LAFC vs. Minnesota Betting Pick: LA FC

Jornada 1 da MLS – Atlanta vs. Montreal

We continue this Matchday 1 preview with Atlanta United vs Montreal FC.

Atlanta has arguably had the most impressive off-season of any MLS team, both on and off the field.

The Five Stripes brought back their former star player, Miguel Almiron, who returns with valuable Premier League experience. They also made headlines by breaking the MLS transfer record with the $22M acquisition of striker Emmanuel Latte Lath from Middlesbrough, a player who has caught the eye of many in the Championship over the last season and a half.

In addition to player signings, Atlanta made notable coaching and management moves by hiring Ronny Deila, the 2021 MLS Cup winning coach with New York City FC, as their new head coach and naming Inter Miami’s Chris Henderson as their new sporting director.

After a largely disappointing 2024 season, Montreal experienced an upturn in form towards the end of the campaign, securing wins in 5 of their last seven games.

During the preseason, certain players, including Gabriele Corboy and Raheem Edwards, have opted to leave the team, while several new additions, such as the German duo of Fabian Herbers and Prince Owusu, along with promising young Ukrainian talent Hennadii Synchuk, have joined the team.

The impact of these changes, along with the arrival of new players, remains uncertain and could potentially alter the trajectory of the club for better or worse.

For this match, our prediction is an Atlanta United win.

Atlanta vs. Montreal Betting Pick: Atlanta

Jornada 1 da MLS – LA Galaxy vs. San Diego FC

Finally, we close this preview with the match between the reigning champions LA Galaxy, and the league’s newest team, San Diego FC.

The upcoming 2025 season presents a different scenario for MLS Cup winners LA Galaxy. Unfortunately, their standout player, Riqui Puig, will be sidelined for a significant portion of the season due to an ACL injury suffered in November. In addition, Dejan Joveljić, who was the top scorer in the last MLS season, moved to Sporting KC.

Despite these setbacks, there are positive developments with the acquisitions of experienced European defender Zanka and Christian Ramirez from Columbus Crew. However, the departure of two key players may present challenges for the LA Galaxy as they attempt to defend their championship title.

San Diego’s new MLS addition had the opportunity to establish an exceptional environment. However, it was revealed that the team would be known as San Diego FC and would sport uniforms that looked fairly generic.

Watching the San Diego Wave of the NWSL would provide insight into the potential of a soccer team in San Diego. Known for their lively and dynamic style, they radiate vitality and excitement.

San Diego relies primarily on Mexico’s Hirving “Chuky” Lozano to command the attack and, of course, the team on the pitch.

For this Matchday 1, our prediction is a win for the LA Galaxy.

LA Galaxy vs. San Diego FC Betting Pick: LA Galaxy