Oddsmakers consider Sounders’ MLS is Back group most balanced

At first glance, the Seattle Sounders seemed to have lucked out a bit with their MLS is Back draw. The oddsmakers seem to view things a bit differently, though.

Although the Sounders are only tied for the sixth-best odds of winning the tournament, FC Dallas has equal odds of +1600. Only one group has two teams with lower odds. The San Jose Earthquakes are also just behind at +1800. The group is rounded out by the Vancouver Whitecaps who are among the longest odds in the tournament at +7500.

Of course, it should also be said that odds like these are not necessarily designed to pick who is the most likely to win the tournament. Rather, they are designed in order to attract the most bets while limiting the potential downside.

Still, it’s hard to find too much fault in any of the top eight or nine teams’ odds.

As far as value goes, the Colorado Rapids — who made a late surge last year and seem to have a nice mix of veterans and younger players — seem like a pretty solid shout at +5000.