Life has not been kind to MLS teams against Liga MX sides in the latter stages of the CONCACAF Champions League. While things have changed over the years, it is still a tall order for MLS teams to get to the finish line against the best of Liga MX.

For the Portland Timbers and Columbus Crew, both sides will have the difficult task to get something at home against two of the best teams in Liga MX, America and Monterrey. The Crew have played very well, and are the current MLS champions, the Timbers started their season with a win and a loss.

For the Liga MX sides America are second in the standings while Monterrey sit fourth, Monterrey has been on a three-game losing streak, while America lost their third game this season last week. Here are some interesting betting options for Portland Timbers - Club America and Columbus Crew - Monterrey.

Portland Timbers - Club America

The Timbers are a compact and quick team on the counter, playing at home and at +225, they could be a good pick for a surprise win in this one. Club America is stacked in offense, with Viñas up top and Martinez and Lainez in the middle. A bet on the game ending over 2.5 goals at +108 could be a safe bet for this one.

Columbus Crew - Monterrey

While Monterrey are the favorites at +135, the Crew have been able to play exceptionally well at home, they won MLS Cup on home soil and with MLS MVP Lucas Zelarayán in the mix don’t be surprised if the Crew pull an upset and get a win.

Monterrey are on a three-game losing skid and a safe bet could be betting that the Crew will be up at the half, at +270 it could be a good bet to make some cash on. This game will be tight but both teams have good fire power at +120, over 2.5 goals is very viable for this game.

Parlays

An interesting parlay would be an America win with a Crew win, at $100 the bettor stands to win over $600. It will all come down if the MLS teams can get the monkey off their backs and go for the throat against these difficult LIGA MX opponents.