San Jose vs. Portland

Quick read:

You are backing San Jose to win outright because Portland’s defense has the structural integrity of a wet noodle and San Jose’s attack has clearly found its rhythm. While the Timbers are busy trying to remember how to pass the ball, the Earthquakes are out there actually playing soccer with some semblance of intent and urgency.

The context here is stark: Portland has been navigating a gauntlet of tough opponents, including stints against LAFC and St. Louis City, which has left their backline looking like it was assembled by a committee of confused interns. San Jose, meanwhile, is showing up to this one with the kind of focused energy that makes opponents look like they are playing on a treadmill while the rest of the league is on a stationary bike.

The only real risk here is if San Jose decides to play hero ball instead of team ball, which is a classic MLS trap that can turn a sure thing into a tuition payment. If they keep it simple and let the odds do the heavy lifting, this is the kind of pick that lets you buy the first round without flinching.