A massive 15-game Major League Soccer slate on Thursday night. Here are the best parlay combinations with value odds across the board.
Thursday's Massive Major League Soccer Slate - August 20, 2026
Fifteen Major League Soccer fixtures dropping simultaneously on Thursday night makes for one of the most exciting betting slates of the season. With so many games on the board, the parlay opportunities are plentiful - and the odds compilers can't watch every line as closely as they'd like. That creates value, and tonight we're targeting three smart combinations built around the most compelling matchups.
Let's break down the key games, identify where the books have left money on the table, and build out our best parlays for Thursday's action.
Game-by-Game Analysis
Columbus Crew SC vs CF Montreal
Columbus opens as a heavy favorite at -161 (DraftKings), and the total market tells an interesting story. The books have set the main line at 3.5, but the Under 2.5 is sitting at +148 on Bally Bet - meaning you're being paid a premium to back a low-scoring game. Columbus has historically been defensively solid at home, and Montreal on the road tends to struggle to create. The BTTS No at +140 (FanDuel) also catches the eye as a generous price. We're happy to take Columbus on the 1X2 at +100 (Fanatics) - essentially even money for a home side favored across every other market.
Minnesota United FC vs Atlanta United FC
Minnesota is favored at home at -130 (DraftKings), which is a reasonable chalk price. The Over 2.5 is priced at -161 (BetMGM), reflecting an expectation of goals. With Minnesota's attacking intent at home and Atlanta typically generating chances, the BTTS Yes at -149 (theScore Bet) is the sharp lean here. Both teams have motivation and enough quality to trouble the other's backline. This is a game built for goals, and we'll incorporate Minnesota on the moneyline as part of our value parlay.
New York Red Bulls vs Nashville SC
This matchup has a tight feel to it. The Red Bulls are slight favorites at +185 (Fanatics), while Nashville SC checks in as underdogs at +130 (Fanatics). The total sits at 3.5 with the Under priced at -167 (Bally Bet) - the market heavily expects this to be a grind. Nashville have the defensive structure to keep games tight on the road, and the BTTS No at +172 (FanDuel) represents genuine value given how disciplined both sides can be. That's a nearly +175 price for what the totals market is already suggesting is a low-scoring affair - a contradiction worth exploiting.
D.C. United vs New England Revolution
D.C. United at home are priced at +115 (Fanatics), which is fractionally above even money. New England as road underdogs check in at +230 (FanDuel). The total is set at 2.5, with the Over at -137 (Bally Bet) indicating expectation of goals. D.C. at home in front of their fans tends to produce open, attacking soccer - making the Over 2.5 a compelling add to our parlay. The home favorite at just above even money is also a nice value entry point.
Real Salt Lake vs FC Dallas
Real Salt Lake open as modest home favorites at -115 (BetMGM). The total is set at 3.5 with the Under priced heavily at -154 (Bally Bet). This one has all the hallmarks of a tight Western Conference rivalry game. RSL at home is a clean lean, and combining their moneyline with an Under-leaning total market creates a cohesive narrative.
Colorado Rapids vs Los Angeles FC
LAFC at +140 (DraftKings) away at Colorado stands out as a potential value play. LAFC are one of the quality sides in the Western Conference, and backing them at plus-money on the road against a Rapids side that carries uncertainty feels generous. The Over 2.5 at -164 (BetMGM) in this one reflects the attacking talent on both sides. Colorado may have the home advantage, but LAFC's firepower makes the away side at +140 worth considering as a standalone or parlay leg.
Best Major League Soccer Parlays - Thursday August 20
Parlay 1 - The Value Chalk Combo (+311 combined)
This three-legger mixes a home favorite, a road value play, and a totals leg to create a balanced, well-rounded parlay:
- Columbus Crew SC to win (Home) - +100 (Fanatics) - Even money for the favorite feels like a gift on the 1X2 market.
- Minnesota United FC to win (Home) - -130 (DraftKings) - Solid chalk anchor at home with genuine quality in this matchup.
- D.C. United vs New England Revolution - Over 2.5 - -137 (Bally Bet) - The market expects goals and D.C. at home tends to deliver an open game.
Combined odds approximately +311. This is a disciplined parlay that doesn't chase massive numbers - it builds on three defensible positions with a clear logical through-line.
Parlay 2 - The Underdog Value Shot (+498 combined)
For bettors looking to maximize upside on Thursday's action, this combination targets undervalued plus-money prices:
- LAFC to win (Away vs Colorado Rapids) - +140 (DraftKings) - Quality road side at a generous plus-money price.
- New York Red Bulls vs Nashville SC - BTTS No - +172 (FanDuel) - Exceptional value given the market's own lean toward a low-scoring game.
- Real Salt Lake to win (Home vs FC Dallas) - -115 (BetMGM) - Near-even money home favorite in a tight rivalry match.
Combined odds approximately +498. The BTTS No at +172 is the standout value call in this parlay - the books have priced the Under 3.5 at -154, yet they're offering you +172 that at least one team blanks. That's a genuine pricing inconsistency worth jumping on.
Parlay 3 - The Goals Accumulator (+344 combined)
With 15 games on the board, there will be high-scoring matches in the mix. This parlay targets three games where goals look likely:
- Toronto FC vs Charlotte FC - Over 2.5 - -164 (BetMGM) - A tight price but the market conviction is strong here.
- Colorado Rapids vs Los Angeles FC - Over 2.5 - -164 (BetMGM) - LAFC's attacking quality should unlock this game.
- LA Galaxy vs San Jose Earthquakes - Over 3.5 - +102 (Bally Bet) - Value flag: Getting plus-money on an Over 3.5 in an LA derby is exceptional. Both sides are motivated and the Cali rivalry has a history of fireworks. This is the standout value leg of the night at essentially even money for four-plus goals.
Combined odds approximately +344. The LA Galaxy vs San Jose Over 3.5 at +102 is the best individual value bet on the entire slate - circle that one whether you're parlaying or playing it straight.
Best Individual Value Bet of the Night
Beyond the parlays, the single best standalone play is the New York Red Bulls vs Nashville SC BTTS No at +172 (FanDuel). The totals market has priced the Under 3.5 at -167, implying the books expect a tight, low-scoring game. Yet FanDuel is simultaneously offering you +172 that at least one side keeps a clean sheet. Back the BTTS No and you're essentially getting paid premium odds for what the market itself is telling you is the more likely scenario.
Thursday MLS Parlay Summary
- Parlay 1 (Value Chalk): Columbus Crew SC ML + Minnesota United FC ML + D.C. United vs NE Revolution Over 2.5 - +311
- Parlay 2 (Underdog Value): LAFC ML + NYRB vs Nashville BTTS No + Real Salt Lake ML - +498
- Parlay 3 (Goals Accumulator): Toronto vs Charlotte Over 2.5 + Colorado vs LAFC Over 2.5 + LA Galaxy vs San Jose Over 3.5 - +344
Fifteen games, endless opportunities, and clear value in multiple spots. Thursday's Major League Soccer slate is one of the best betting nights of the 2026 season - don't sleep on it.
Please gamble responsibly - set a budget before you bet and never wager more than you can afford to lose.
