Fantasy MLS 2015 Round 5 Review (Part 1)

Orlando City SC 0 vs. DC United 1

Highlights

The saga continues… Orlando City continues to outplay its opposition, and also continues to find a way to lose at the last minute (not defending a Luis Silva free kick properly). Orlando looked dangerous on the night with Kaka distributing well, and Brek Shea solidifying himself as a dependable left back and valuable asset to Orlando City’s attack. To be fair to Orlando, Ribeiro’s early exit from the game was felt by the offense after several missed scoring chances by an unpolished Cyle Larin. However, the only concern for Orlando right now is figuring out where they left their finishing boots. DC United on the other hand can’t be happy enough to have Luis Silva back. He could be the missing piece for an offense lacking in creativity.

Fantasy Standouts

• Kaka ($11.3): Kaka continued to look dangerous and give immaculate distribution earning him 3 bonus points. If he can get someone up top to reciprocate he will be a top class fantasy option, but for now he’s still worth keeping, especially if he can consistently put up bonus points like he did this weekend.
• Brek Shea ($8.0): 2 attacking bonus points, 1 defensive bonus point and the only man who actually tried to do his job in the wall that allowed Luis Silva’s goal. Brek Shea’s resurgence in MLS is going along very nicely and it’s only a matter of time before he starts adding some assists and the occasional goal here and there. Regardless of his attacking prowess he looked strong defensively and had Orlando City’s wall not fallen apart at the end of the game Shea would’ve brought home a clean sheet too.
• Luis Silva ($8.5): Obviously Luis Silva needs to get back into the starting lineup before we deem him DC United’s savior, however he will take up that role soon enough. In 15 minutes he took over the corner kick and free kick duty, whilst bring to life a dreary DC United offense. Keep an eye on him and check back here to see how his performances are going.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Pedro Ribeiro ($6.2): He looked to be the hot hand coming into the match and a bargain at $6.2. However, we all found out soon enough it was a short-lived fantasy. Ribeiro’s exit doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t reemerge as a fantasy option, but there are too many other attacking options to take over if he’s not ready to go again next week. If that happens he could lose his starting chances when someone else decides to step up and start finishing. If you have the money stash him on the bench and monitor his injury for now.
• DC United Offense: Everyone is so cheap it’s tempting to take a shot on guys like Arnaud and Deleon, but after this weekend, I’m still not sure if it’s worth it. Without a clear identity the only guy I like on DC is Silva and he’s not back to starting yet. Pick up players here at your own risk.

Chicago Fire 3 vs. Toronto FC 2

Highlights

The Fire attack finally looks like something to be scared of. Accam was an absolute nightmare for Toronto’s defense causing them problems, and Maloney finally began to look like an actual DP. Accam was a handful for Toronto FC, however, this game he was just that a handful, nothing more. Toronto’s outside backs looked dangerous and dealt with danger well causing a tactical battle at times between managers swapping Shipp and Accam to opposite sides to change the angle of attack. Ultimately it came down to a beautifully struck free kick by Larentowicz to seal the 3 points for the Fire.

Fantasy Standouts

• Harrison Shipp ($7.9): If you don’t have him consider getting him. His assists weren’t the most magnificent pieces of soccer you’ll ever witness, but he looked lively all game getting in the back and getting shots off on goal.
• Shaun Maloney ($9.1): A goal and an assist was a nice way to open his scoring account in MLS.  The offense started to gel this weekend and Maloney was very much at the heart of it. On top of that he took all 8 corners. While he takes some set piece opportunities away from Shipp, soon enough there will begin to be more of a balance and we should begin to reap the rewards of the Shipp-Maloney partnership.
• Sebastian Giovinco ($11.2): At $11.2 Giovinco is definitely on the more expensive side, especially after his performance today. However, his performance today was spectacular. Easily the liveliest player on the field and with ownership at only 5% he’s worth a look. That look should come after this week as Toronto has a bye.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Lovel Palmer ($5.9): With 16% ownership, many people were left scratching their heads this weekend when lineups were announced and Palmer was on the bench. If you were one of them, I don’t have an answer for you. Once more information comes out answers will be given either on the MLS Fantasy Boss website or MLS Fantasy reddit, so stay in the loop via those resources. If Palmer plays he’s worth a look, but he needs to be monitored. For now keep an eye on Joevin Jones as a potential like for like swap.
• Jozy Altidore ($9.6): After a rough game against Switzerland with the US, Jozy continued to struggle against the Fire. There’s no doubt Jozy is poised to score goals, but with a bye next week consider giving him some to rediscover his form.

Colorado Rapids 0 vs. New England Revolution 2

Highlights

Literally every force in the world was trying as hard as possible this weekend to prevent Colorado from scoring a goal. The woodwork and the ref denied Colorado its first goal of the season and Colorado’s unbeaten streak was ended. The Revs continued to look dangerous and Juan Agudelo found his scoring boots with a beautiful touch to bring down a perfect ball by Rowe. The Revs are back and the Rapids continue to be out of answers for offense.

Fantasy Standouts

• Juan Agudelo ($8.5): All he needed was a goal. Immediately after the boost in confidence was visible. He could’ve had another and had some nice distribution in the attacking third.
• Kelyn Rowe ($8.7): Rowe made a statement this game. He’s no longer giving inconsistent performances, but emerging as a true playmaker for the Revs, scoring goals and playing perfect balls to guys with pace like Davies and Agudelo.
• Chris Tierney ($7.4): The Revs are heating up and so is Tierney. His last 3 performances were 7, 7, and 6-point performances. That’s as consistent as it gets for defenders. He takes corner kicks, free kicks and gets up into the attacking third. With the form the guys in the box are reaching the assists are bound to start flowing in for Tierney. We can’t ask much more of our defenders.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Colorado Rapids: The Rapids defense is good. Up until this point the Rapids’ had 3 clean sheets, despite persistent bombardment by opposing teams. Maybe losing Sjoberg affected that, but either way the problem is the lack of offense. Without being able to apply their own consistent pressure the Rapids won’t develop into a playoff contender or viable fantasy threat. Yes there should’ve been at least a goal for the Rapids, however, the Rapids didn’t really deserve it except for the momentary pressure at the end of the game. Stay away from Rapids’ offense and the defense should be considered on a week-to-week basis depending on the opposition.

Seattle Sounders 1 vs. Houston Dynamo 0

Highlights

Alonso, Oba and Dempsey return. The Dynamo’s offense continues to struggle. Even with the help of a Gonzalo Pineda red card in the 56^th minute, the Dynamo were not only unable to score, but couldn’t even direct more than 2 shots on target. That’s worrisome.

Fantasy Standouts

• Obafemi Martins & Clint Dempsey ($11.3 a piece): If you’ve ever watched them play you know why you need to have them. These two can make something out of nothing and almost always assist on the others goal. They only had 3 shots combined; not many chances get away from these guys.
• Chad Marshall ($8.7): If there’s any defender on the Sounders it’s Marshall. With 3 defensive bonus points almost guaranteed weekly, as well as the goal threat he poses on set pieces, he’s definitely worth your time.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Houston Dynamo: The defense hasn’t looked bad, but I fear they will soon face the same dilemma as the Rapids. Despite controlling more of the possession and playing up a man for a third of the game the offense had no answers for the Sounders defense. While the defense did limit the chances on goal by the Sounders, had Oba and Dempsey been given more time with 11 men on the field there surely would’ve been another goal in the game for them. Until the Dynamo can provide answers for its offensive woes steer clear.

That’s the breakdown for the first half of Round 5. 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 or Tyler a Tweet and let us know. Also, don’t forget to get involved with the get community her at MLS Fantasy Boss and over at /r/FantasyMLS.