Fantasy MLS 2015 Round 1 Review (Part 2)

For the earlier games in this round, be sure to check out part 1 of this review.

Orlando 1 – New York City FC 1

Highlights

Big named DPs, a Red card, three cards for diving, and two highly talked about deflections easily allowed this game to live up to all of its preseason hype. Orlando was the dominant team for most of this game and caused New York City FC’s Josh Saunders to make some impressive saves, yet it was NYCFC that opened the scoring when Mix Diskerud found himself in the right place to pickup a deflected David Villa pass and put it in the back of the net. However, Kaka proved his work then he was able to score off a (deflected) set play in the closing minutes of stoppage time.

Fantasy Standouts

• Carlos Rivas (OLC $9.0): He may have had a problem keeping onsides, but he connected well with many players on the field during Orlando buildups. When Rochez finally joins the starting XI, Rivas should fall back into a midfield role and we may start seeing some better fantasy numbers from him.
• Josh Saunders (NYC $5.5): The expected starter for NYCFC came up with several big saves during the match that ensured the 1-1 outcome. His price seems reasonable for the performance that put in, but there are still some questions about the solidity of the NYCFC backline.

Fantasy Letdowns

• David Villa (NYC $10.0): Many managers expected big things for Villa, but that not what they got. They were many times during the game when he was virtually invisible on the field and had a hard time breaking into the Orlando half of the field. He was a bit unlucky to not have an assist, but for $10m, you want want than a player who might get you an assist.
• Bryan Rochez (OLC $7.0): The big letdown for Rochez has nothing to do with his performance, it’s the fact that he did not start the game. Many say that they expect him to make it into the starting XI soon, but until then, many will stay frustrated.

Sporting Kansas City 1 – New York Red Bulls 1

Highlights

Easily the most exciting game of the opening Round, most of this game was wide open as each team repeatedly battled it out in the midfield to setup their next counter attack. Both defenses were frequently tested, but it was New York’s that cracked first in the 50th min when a Feilhaber cross connected with Opara. However, New York rallied and Sam tied the game just 4 min later. The game continued it back and forth pace until the 70th min when Besler received a send yellow card and was sent off. New York tried to press it’s one man advantage, but SKC held strong and both teams had to settle for a draw.

Fantasy Standouts

• Amadou Dia (SKC $4.5): Due to De Jong being unavailable for Round 1, several mangers were pleasantly surprised to have a $4.5 starter ready to go on their bench. Dia had a respectable performance by earning 2 CBI’s and just missed out on the clean sheet.  With Besler on a red card, chances are good that he’ll start again.
• Lloyd Sam (NY $8.6): San has always been a good offensive player and it’s good to finally see that he may have a solid starting spot at NY. I think Sam will be a better offensive pick than BWP over this season, and this game showed me that he is already stepping up.
• Benny Feilhaber (SKC $9.2): I never know what to expect from Feilhaber, but tonight was his night to shine and he served a key role in many SKC offensive buildups. I hate that he often lines up as a defensive mid, because they don’t get great fantasy points, but this games like this happen. If he stays in this attacking role, this $9.2 is a great price, but we’ll have to see how he work with a 100% ready Zusi.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Matt Besler (SKC $8.6): Such a silly card from this experience player. Clearly, from a fantasy perspective, he’s the biggest disappointment of the game. Only one defensive BP and the red card set him up for a -$0.4 drop! Queue sad trombone.
• Bradley Wright-Phillips (NY $10.5): We knew that not having Henry was going to hurt BWP, but ZERO shots on goal is not the kind of performance you expect from the 2014 Golden Boot winner. If this keeps up, BWP could be the most over priced player this year.

Seattle Sounders 3 – New England Revolution 0

Highlights

There is really not much to say about this game. Seattle was clearly he dominant team and they have sent a message to the rest of the league that they are coming for the Cup. Dempsey’s first goal in the 25th min came from a PK, which you can’t count on for regular points, but every other goal was exciting to watch. Seattle was able to string together pass and get players into positions to take advantages of the weaknesses in New England’s defense and the end result was a 3-0 and I’m sure the cause of many Monday morning hangovers.

Fantasy Standouts

• Clint Dempsey (SEA $11.2) & Obafemi Martins (SEA $11.2): The clear standouts in this game were Dempsey and Oba. They have developed the kind of connection that Donovan and Keane had in LA. Simply put, I don’t see why you would not want to have one of both of these players on your team whenever they have a good match up. Fantasy gold and worth every bit of their combines $22.4m.

Fantasy Letdowns

•  New England: This was not the showing that the MLS Cup runner up wanted to put up in it’s first game of the season. To be fair, Seattle was one of the toughest teams to play against and they were missing two key players (Lee Nguyen and Jermaine Jones). There were no real standouts for New England and it looks they may start the 2015 season much like they did the 2014 season. With hope, they will be more together by Round 3 when they enter a nice run of games.

That’s my breakdown for the first half of Round 1. What do you think? Did any players jump out at you who you think deserve to be highlighted? Mention them in the comments below, or send me a Tweet and let me know. Also, don’t forget to get involved with the get community her at MLS Fantasy Boss and over at /r/FantasyMLS.