Earthquakes hope to shake up West against L.A.

Soccer Betting Lines

07/21/2010 - Carson, CA (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - San Jose slumped into the World Cup break last month on a three-game winless streak, but the Earthquakes have resembled their early-season form since Major League Soccer resumed in late June.

In addition to two ties and a win in its last three MLS games, San Jose took a break from league play to post an impressive draw against England's Tottenham.

"I'm very impressed with them," Tottenham coach Harry Redknapp said on the MLS website after the 0-0 draw on Saturday at Buck Shaw Stadium.

The Earthquakes (6-4-4) visit the Los Angeles Galaxy on Thursday night at The Home Depot Center, and midfielder Bobby Convey believes San Jose has no reason to fear the MLS overall leader.

"Obviously, L.A. is one of the best teams in the league right now. If we can play against [Tottenham], I don't see why we shouldn't be able to play against L.A.," Convey, second in MLS with eight assists, said on the MLS website.

San Jose is fifth in the Western Conference, 17 points behind Los Angeles, but has played fewer matches than every team in the division. The Earthquakes have played three fewer matches than L.A., and can make another statement in league play this week.

Coach Frank Yallop has guided the Earthquakes to 22 points already, just eight less than all of last season in 16 more matches. San Jose has played well away from home so far, posting a 3-2-2 mark - identical to its home record.

Yallop was extremely pleased with the performance against Tottenham, and hopes San Jose builds on the result against L.A.

"Obviously this is preseason for [Tottenham] and we know that, but I think a few years ago you see teams get beat in these types of matches. We're not easy to beat now," Yallop said on the league's website.

L.A. (12-2-3) has set the standard this season in MLS under Bruce Arena, going unbeaten at home in seven matches to accumulate the best record in the league.

The Galaxy even survived a stretch without stars Landon Donovan, who leads MLS with 10 assists, and Edson Buddle, who leads MLS with 11 goals. Both were with the United States for the World Cup.

L.A. won just one of four matches from June 9 to July 10, the last a 2-0 loss to the New England Revolution, but Donovan and Buddle both scored Sunday night as the Galaxy rebounded with a 2-1 win at D.C. United.

"You're going to lose games along the way, and the way you respond in the next game is important," Arena said. "Our response was really good."

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Academy Award Betting Odds for Best Picture Offer Great Value

If there is any category that is not an obvious win for any one nominee in this year's Academy Awards, it would be for Best Picture.  Sure the Departed is a 5/7 favorite, but that's hardly anything when we look at Helen Mirren and her "out-of-reach" 1 to 40 odds (which means you would win a whopping $1 for every $40 bet).

For value, take a look at MySportsbook.com Oscars betting odds on my personal favorite, The Queen - a remarkable 12 to 1 long shot.  The film hasn't won any pre-awards for Best Picture (compared to The Departed and Little Miss Sunshine), but there is a tremendous following and it is a strong enough film to warrant a surprise win.

TV Guide advises Oscar watchers should be cautioned not to discount the  drama "Babel" with its strong social themes about overcoming communication gaps among people of different cultures.

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Who is to say independently produced Little Miss Sunshine won't be this year's Crash.  Last year, Crash won for Best Motion Picture, shocking those who bet on gay cowboy flick, Brokeback Mountain, as the favorite to win. 

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