VSiN soccer contributor, finder of “The Angle” for college basketball, and Follow The Money producer Luke DiVasta shares his favorite MLS picks for Saturday, May 23.
Odds as of May 22, 10 p.m. ET
In less than three weeks, the world’s biggest sporting event kicks off right here in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost upon us, and with it comes a brief but welcome pause to domestic soccer. This weekend’s slate marks the last MLS action we’ll see until the tournament nears its conclusion.
Nashville SC vs. New York City FC
8:30 p.m. ET
Nashville SC (-135) | Draw (+275) | New York City FC (+330)
Over 2.5 Goals (-125) | Under 2.5 Goals (+100)
Nashville SC | 9-3-1 | 1st in Eastern Conference
New York City FC | 5-4-5 | 5th in Eastern Conference
Nashville continues to impress as the season has opened up. After a strong start, they stumbled in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals, losing both aggregate legs to Tigres UANL. In MLS play, they haven’t lost since April 4th.
B.J. Callaghan’s side has been stout on both ends. Defensively, they rank 5th in the league, allowing 10.8 shots per game. Offensively, they’ve scored 29 goals through 13 matches, also top five in the league. Hany Mukhtar leads with six goals, Warren Madrigal has five, and Sam Surridge — who remains out — has nine on the season.
New York City FC has been streaky. They opened with three wins in four matches, then went winless over their next seven MLS contests before finding some form, going 2-1-2 in their last five. Nicolas Fernandez has been their primary scoring threat with nine goals and three assists in 14 appearances.
Scoring could be a concern for NYCFC, as they’ve managed just two goals in their last four MLS matches. With Nashville juiced to -135 at home, the value is with the home side.
Pick: Nashville SC ML (-135)
San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
9:30 p.m. ET
San Diego FC (+235) | Draw (+285) | Vancouver (-110)
Over 3.5 Goals (+115) | Under 3.5 Goals (-145)
San Diego FC | 4-5-5 | 10th in Western Conference
Vancouver | 9-2-2 | 1st in Western Conference
The last time Vancouver lost an MLS match, we were watching 9-seed Iowa take down 4-seed Nebraska in March Madness — that’s how long their unbeaten run lasted. It finally ended last weekend when Houston blanked them 1-0, though that result came on just two days of rest. Expect a much better performance from arguably the best team in the league.
Sebastian Berhalter has been the engine of this Vancouver side — six goals and four assists across 12 appearances, with a team-best average match rating of 7.78. The Whitecaps rank 3rd in MLS in on-target attempts and do damage through a combination of through balls, long passing, and clinical finishing. It’s a dangerous blend.
San Diego enters this one having drawn three of their last four, splitting the points 3-3, 1-1, and 2-2 before sandwiching in a 5-0 win over a weak Austin FC side. Goals haven’t been the issue for SDFC — keeping them out has. Against a defensive unit as strong as Vancouver’s, that vulnerability could prove costly.
I like the road favorite here on the three-way moneyline. This line could move to -120 or -130 before kickoff, and I expect the books to follow the sharp money to Vancouver’s side.
Pick: Vancouver ML (-110)
2026 MLS Picks: 5-5 (+1.9 Units)
