Atlanta United FC vs Toronto FC Prediction, 8/18/2021 MLS Soccer Pick, Tips and Odds

by Josh Schonwald - 8/16/2021

soccer picks Marcelino Moreno Atlanta United FC predictions best bet odds

Game: Atlanta United FC vs Toronto FC

Date: Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA

TV: ESPN+

Odds/Point Spread: Atlanta (-130) Toronto (+285)

Marcelino Moreno and Atlanta United (4-9-6, 9th in Eastern Conference) host Toronto FC (3-6-10, 14th in Eastern Conference) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Wednesday. The goaltenders protecting the net are Brad Guzan for Atlanta United and Alex Bono for Toronto FC. TFC is priced at +285 while the 5 Stripes are at -130. The O/U opens at 2.5.

Atlanta played Los Angeles in their last matchup and notched a win by a score of 1-0. When discussing the passing game, they earned a 85.2% rate by converting 439 of the 515 passing attempts last contest. The 5 Stripes tried 14 dribbles in this matchup and were able to convert 9 of the tries for a rate of 64.3%.

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In regard to shooting accuracy, Atlanta ended this match at a 66.7% rate by putting 6 shots on target of 9 total shots. Atlanta has an average of 1.05 goals per 90 (20 goals in total) and have accumulated 13 assists in all matches this season.

Marcelino Moreno is a player who can be a difference maker for Atlanta United. He has totaled 11 assists while earning 10 yellow card warnings during his pro soccer career. Moreno has been in the starting lineup in 98 games so far in his career and tallies 0.13 goals per 90. The forward from Argentina has totaled 12 goals scored in 8,436 mins played.

Another guy who could decide the outcome is Josef Martinez, the forward representing Venezuela. Martinez has played 14,064 minutes during 159 career starts and has been handed 13 yellow card cautions. He has helped a teammate on a goal 16 times so far in his pro soccer career while he has scored 100 total goals. He currently averages 0.64 goals per 90 mins for his pro soccer career.

The man who is expected to defend the goal for Atlanta United FC is Brad Guzan. Guzan (120-88-156 record during his soccer career) has accumulated 97 clean sheets, which leaves him with a 26.7% shutout rate. The goalie from the United States has faced 1,673 shots attempted against him in 363 career starting assignments. His goals allowed per 90 minutes is 1.43 (522 total goals allowed) and his save percentage is 69.6. Guzan has seen the field for a total of 32,758 mins and has accumulated 1,162 saves thus far in his career.

The last time they took the field, Toronto took a loss by a score of 2-1 against New England. TFC earned a 52.4% successful dribble rate by connecting on 11 of the 21 dribbles they pursued. They wrapped up this match by converting 559 out of their 645 passing attempts for a percentage of 86.7%. Toronto converted 4 shots on goal out of their 9 shots tried which had them sitting at a 44.4% clip in their last game. Having a total of 24 goals and 17 assists in all their contests, Toronto sports an average of 1.26 goals and 0.89 assists per 90.

Alejandro Pozuelo should provide solid play for Toronto FC. He currently averages 0.22 goals per 90 minutes and has started 203 outings so far in his career. The forward from Spain has been on the pitch for 18,582 minutes and has scored 46 goals. He has totaled 32 yellow card warnings in his career and has assisted a teammate on a goal 53 times. You should also watch out for Michael Bradley, the midfielder representing the United States. Bradley has earned himself 79 yellow cards in 35,696 minutes played (395 starting assignments). His G/90 average during his soccer career is 0.10. He has scored 41 goals during his career while assisting on a goal 36 different times.

Alex Bono will be looking after the net for Toronto FC. Bono has earned 24 clean sheets while he has seen 522 shots attempted against him in 10,437 career mins. He is the owner of a save % of 69.5 and his shutout rate is 21.1%. He has allowed 1.51 goals per 90 minutes and he has earned a record of 50-28-37. So far in his pro soccer career, Bono has given up 175 goals and has racked up 360 stops in 114 starts.

Who will win tonight's soccer game against the spread?

Josh Schonwald's Pick: Take Atlanta (-130)

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Atlanta United FC vs Toronto FC Prediction, 8/18/2021 MLS Soccer Pick, Tips and Odds

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