MLS Playoffs Odds - Chivas USA at Los Angeles Galaxy

Landon Donovan and the Los Angeles Galaxy host Chivas USA in the second leg of the Western conference semifinal MLS playoffs odds at 7:30pm EST from the Home Depot Center in a game that can be seen on ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes. In the first game of this leg last weekend, Chivas USA and the Galaxy played to a 2-2 draw in front of over 25,000 fans. Donovan and Mike Magee scored the goals for Los Angeles while Maicon Santos and Maykel Galindo scored for Chivas. Los Angeles is a +125 money line favorite in MLS odds against Chivas USA +190 at online sportsbooks with a draw paying +225. The betting total for this semifinal match-up is set at 2.5 UNDER -130.

The Galaxy have been able to fight off finishing last place in 2008 to finishing 1st this year in the Western Conference primarily because of Donavon, not David Beckham. Donovan has had 13 goals for the 2009 season with 6 assists in 26 games. There is no doubt that the skilled midfielder Beckham adds a foot most teams wished they had but the distractions of him returning to AC Milan have got to play a part on the teams psychology despite what he says. “I’m committed to LA Galaxy and MLS in the long term and remain as passionate as ever about growing the game of soccer in America,” Beckham said. “I’m completely focused on ending this season on a high note with my club by winning the MLS Cup.”

Chivas USA on the other hand hasn’t played well against the Galaxy. Leading up to the playoffs, Eduardo Lillingston had eight goals in 25 matches but the team failed to score in their last three regular season games. The fact that they scored 2-goals in the first leg of MLS odds gives them some confidence heading into this game. “It’s pretty typical of a Clasico,” Chivas defender Carey Talley said. “Who knows what’s going to happen, and both teams are fighting incredibly hard and have great fan support on both sides.” The key to this game will be the ability of Paulo Nagamura to create offensive situations for Lillingston, Maicon Santos and Maykel Galindo. Chivas USA is +190 in MLS playoff odds against Los Angeles.

Bower's MLS Soccer Picks: Sports betting handicappers are favoring the Los Angeles Galaxy in MLS playoff odds for the Western conference and I can't say that I blame them. Although I don't like Beckham, Donovan will play with enough heart for the both of them to pull off the win. My soccer pick for Sunday's match-up on ESPN2 is to take Los Angeles +125 in MLS odds against Chivas.