Columbus trying to strengthen spot atop Eastern table vs. Fire

Soccer Betting Lines

07/02/2010 - Columbus, OH (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Columbus Crew host the Chicago Fire in a Major League Soccer Eastern Conference clash on Saturday night.

The Crew (7-2-3) currently lead the Eastern table, but need to get a result because Red Bull New York is right on their heals.

Columbus' most recent fixture was a 2-0 win vs. D.C. United last weekend that improved it's home record to 5-1-0 this season.

Crew star Guillermo Barros Schelotto had a goal and an assist in the contest, but got a big assist from the referee, who missed an obvious handball that led to the game's first tally.

"The ball hit my arm after the post," he told mlssoccer.com. "I was surprised, but I don't know if the ref saw the play. Maybe he understands the ball hit me. I had no intention to settle the ball next to me."

The Fire (4-3-5) are also coming off a win last weekend, 1-0 vs. the New England Revolution.

A Marco Pappa tally was the difference as the club extended its unbeaten run to five games, although only two of those were wins.

The club sits seven points behind Columbus in the standings, with a three point swing possible if it can earn the W on Saturday.

Chicago will have to find a way to earn the win without attackers Calen Carr and John Thorrington because of injuries, while the Crew are relatively healthy, with only defenders Frankie Hejduk and Gino Padula on the injury report. Both are expected to be available for selection on Saturday.

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Mens NCAA Basketball Tournament odds  
As of February 9, MySportsbook.com has released its coveted 2007 Mens NCAA Basketball Tournament betting odds. “March Madness betting ” only a month away, the top ranked Florida Gators are favorite at 7-2 to win it all. The defending champs have not disappointed at all this season and currently have a 22-2 record and are undefeated (9-0) in SEC play. The Gators’ thrive off of their extremely balanced, experienced and versatile attack. All five starters started in last seasons National Championship game. What is most impressive with this group is their balance; the five starters all average between 10.7 and 13.6 PPG. The Gators have been on an absolute roll having won 15 straight by an average of 16.4 PPG.

Right behind the Gators are the 5th ranked UNC Tar Heels at 9-2. The Heels (21-3, 7-2) are absolutely loaded with top notch talent and are as deep as any team in the country. A concern for the Tar Heels might be inexperience. Of their top four scorers/ minute earners, three are freshmen and the other is a sophomore. The rest of the regular season, the Tar Heels play only one team that is currently ranked (Duke). Their remaining opponents do combine for an impressive 107-58 record though.

Other teams that the MySportsbook.com members seem to believe will win it all include the west coasts’ top team #2 UCLA (6-1), #3 OSU behind man-child Greg Oden (8-1), and #4 Wisconsin (10-1) behind their defense which has given up 70+ points only three times all season.

Below is a list of some of the favorites to win the 2007 Men’s NCAA Basketball Championship lines. For the full list of teams and March Madness odds be sure to log onto MySportsbook.com. If you want to use your credit card to bet on college hoops or any other event, MySportsbook.com has the highest credit card acceptance rate in the industry.

Arizona 20-1

Butler 20-1

Duke 30-1

Florida 7-2

Georgetown 30-1

Indiana 35-1

Kansas 15-1

Marquette 25-1

Maryland 40-1

Memphis 50-1

Nevada 50-1

UNC 9-2

OSU 8-1

Oregon 30-1

Pittsburgh 15-1

Texas 30-1

Texas A&M 18-1

UCLA 6-1

Wisconsin 10-1

To visit this online sportsbook got to MySportsbook.com for all your Sportsbook betting needs.