VSIN Football contributor, inventor of “The Angle” for college basketball, and Follow the Money creator Luke DiVasta shares his favorite MLS picks for Saturday, May 23.
Odds By May 22nd, 10PM ET
In less than three weeks, the world’s biggest sporting event will begin right here in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is around the corner, and with it comes a brief but welcome break in domestic football. This weekend’s slate marks the final MLS action we’ll see until the tournament’s conclusion.
Nashville SC vs. New York City FC
8:30 PM 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
As the season began, Nashville continued to impress. After a strong start, they faltered in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals, losing both legs on aggregate to Tigres UANL. In MLS play, they have not lost since April 4.
BJ Callaghan’s side have been strong at both ends. Defensively, they rank 5th in the league, allowing 10.8 shots per game. Offensively, he has scored 29 goals in 13 matches, which is also in the top five in the league. Hani Mukhtar leads the way with six goals, Warren Madrigal has five, and Sam Surridge – who is out – has scored nine goals on the season.
New York City FC’s performance has been strange. They started with three wins in four games, then went winless in their next seven MLS contests before regaining some form and going 2–1–2 in their final five. Nicolas Fernandez has been the primary scoring threat for them with nine goals and three assists in 14 matches.
Scoring may be a concern for NYCFC, as they have only managed two goals in their last four MLS matches. With Nashville’s Juice at home being -135, the value is with the home side.
Pick: Nashville SC ML (-135)
San Diego FC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
9:30 PM 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 the Western Conference
Vancouver 9-2-2 | first in the western conference
The last time Vancouver lost an MLS match, we were watching 9-seed Iowa defeat 4-seed Nebraska in March Madness — that was their unbeaten streak. It finally ended last weekend when Houston beat them 1-0, although that result came after just two days’ rest. Probably the best team in the league is expected to perform better.
Sebastian Berhalter has been the engine of this Vancouver team – six goals and four assists in 12 games, with a team-best average match rating of 7.78. The Whitecaps rank third in MLS in on-target attempts and cause damage through a combination of through balls, long passing and clinical finishing. This is a dangerous mixture.
San Diego enters this tournament having drawn three of its last four, sharing points at 3-3, 1-1 and 2-2, and coming off a 5-0 win over a weak Austin FC team. Goals have not been the issue for SDFC – keeping them out has been the issue. Against a strong defensive unit like Vancouver, this vulnerability could prove costly.
I like the road favorite here on the three-way moneyline. This line could go up to -120 or -130 before kickoff, and I expect the books to follow the Sharp money in Vancouver’s favor.
Pick: Vancouver ML (-110)
2026 MLS Selection: 5-5 (+1.9 units)