Since Friday is the day for chasing big odds, I’m going to try to hunt down some long shots. I’m playing these all with minimum stakes using a system approach if possible. Here is my slate for today:
USL Championship 8:30 PM Charleston Battery - Louisville City The first match of the week takes place at Patriots Point. We have two clubs that aren't exactly title contenders, but this should be an entertaining matchup because they traditionally play high-scoring games. The oddsmakers gave the home side the edge—is it because of the home-field advantage or just because they sit five points higher in the standings? Who knows. Louisville is incredibly unpredictable; they can hold their own against top-tier teams one week and lose to a bottom-feeder the next. Will they show up or fall flat? We'll see. One thing is certain: they know how to find the back of the net. At my sportsbook,
Louisville City to score two or more goals (1-3) is sitting at +200. I'm taking that without hesitation. On paper, their roster looks superior right now.
USL League One 6:30 PM Richmond Kickers - Forward Madison Nobody actually knows what is going on with the Richmond squad lately. Before the season started, they looked like a solid contender for promotion, yet here they are hovering near the bottom. They are in terrible shape—no wins in the last eight matches, including six losses. Statistically, they’ve only scored eight goals in ten games. That's pathetic for a team with their pedigree. Their only bright spot is their young striker, who is leading the team with five goals; he'll be the main threat against the Madison keeper. Madison is sitting seventh out of ten, which is exactly where they belong given their lack of depth. It’s time for Richmond to wake up and actually win a game in front of their home fans. I’m betting on
Richmond Kickers to win by two or more goals (2-0) at +150. 
MLS Next Pro 8:00 PM Orlando City II - Inter Miami II A matchup in MLS Next Pro, a league that is notoriously difficult to bet on because the parity is insane. There are no clear favorites here according to the books. In this league, anyone can beat anyone on any given night, so don't get reckless with your bankroll. I won't write a novel about this one, but I have a gut feeling we're looking at an upset victory for the visitors. I'm riding with
Inter Miami II to win (2-1) while I relax with a drink and watch the action unfold.
USL Championship 8:00 PM Oakland Roots - LA Galaxy II One of several fixtures in a round of what is arguably one of the most "honest" developmental leagues in the US. Two mid-table sides are clashing at the local stadium. I'm expecting goals here. While the books favor Oakland, my money is on the young stars from the LA Galaxy academy to cover the spread and score 2+ goals. This is essentially the Galaxy's youth system. These kids train with the first team, which gives them enough experience to dominate this level. They are coached by some legendary names from recent decades, too. These players are desperate to prove themselves every single match. They are technically better than the hosts. We'll see how it plays out, but my pick is...
Ajax will net at least two goals (1-4). Good luck.