“Gareth Bale” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by joncandy
In Major League Soccer, the Supporters Shield is the award given to the team with the best record across the regular season. It can sometimes be seen as a consolation prize when compared to the MLS Cup but it still represents an important piece of silverware.
In 2022, Los Angeles FC are the franchise most likely to lift that trophy. Head Coach Steven Cherundolo has guided his men to the top of the Western Conference while the recent signing of Gareth Bale has given the roster a huge boost.
LA are the team to watch but what fixtures should you be tuning into as the regular campaign comes to its conclusion?
The Standings
Firstly, a quick recap of where the teams are at the moment. In the Western Conference, Los Angeles FC are at the top of the MLS Standings with 45 points from their first 21 games. Their closest challengers are Austin FC who have 42 points but have played a game more.
In terms of the Supporters Shield, LA are competing with franchises from the East. The standings in the Eastern Conference are showing Philadelphia Union at the top with 42 points from 22 matches. Below them in second place are MLS Cup holders New York City FC with 41 points from 21 games.
It’s all looking good in terms of that Supporters Shield but could Los Angeles go all the way and claim the MLS Cup?
The Biggest Prize
The independent viewpoint tells us that LAFC are the team to beat this year. In current MLS markets, the top betting sites linking to SBO have Los Angeles as the clear favorites to lift the MLS Cup in 2022.
A gap follows to second favorites Philadelphia Union while other challenges are expected to come from New York City FC, LA Galaxy, New York Red Bulls and Nashville SC.
The teams are reaching the latter stages of the season ahead of the playoff rounds. Those playoffs can lead to a number of changes in the betting markets as teams get eliminated. The latest odds will be updated on the Sbo.net website and readers can assess the new figures.
News stories will appear along with guides to betting, plus comprehensive reviews of each bookmaker. Anyone wanting to take their interest further can get directly involved with the markets.
Each sportsbook will accept new players subject to eligibility and a completed online form. Sign up is swift and secure and many of those sportsbooks have a generous welcome promotion waiting.
A varied selection of deposit methods can help when you’re adding funds while there are other benefits to look forward to. At every stage there will be efficient customer service while mobile betting, live streaming and additional promotions may also be available.
It’s the site to follow MLS from a betting perspective but what about those big live games as LAFC look to claim the Supporters Shield?
Key Fixtures
Los Angeles FC will need to beat the teams around them if they are going to remain at the summit of the Western Conference. There is nothing they can do about games in the East and it’s all about focusing on what’s in front of them.
The biggest test for the team is likely to come on August 27th when they travel to face Austin FC. If Austin can stay in touch with the leaders across the next few weeks, they could potentially claim top spot with a win in that fixture.
In contrast, victory for Los Angeles in that game is likely to see the team close out the Western Conference title.
Aside from that tough trip to Austin, the schedule has been kind to the franchise. LA’s list of upcoming fixtures shows a number of games against sides in the mid to lower table.
Included on that list are home ties against Seattle Sounders, Charlotte and DC United. Away fixtures include trips to Real Salt Lake, Houston Dynamo and Dalllas FC.
There’s some way to go in the West but Los Angeles FC may have already done all the hard work. The MLS Cup will be a tougher prize to claim but the Supporters Shield is already in their grasp.
