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Chicago Fire 1 vs. New York City FC 0
Highlights
NYC showed it’s at serious risk of turning its inaugural season into a catastrophe. The saga started with a Lampard controversy, transitioned into David Villa injuries and now has them sliding down to the bottom of the table. The flip side of that is a Chicago Fire team that looked very dangerous compared to last year and outplayed NYC the entire game. Accam could’ve had 2 or 3 goals and Shipp looked to continue to be that playmaker the Fire needs.
Fantasy Standouts
- David Accam ($8.6): He had plenty of chances and was an absolute handful for NYC. I think he’s about to make a splash in MLS over the coming weeks. If you don’t already have a crowded forward pool then grab Accam, because he’s cheaper than the big name forwards and is going to score. If you already have guys like Shipp hang on he showed he was dangerous and still had good bonus points this week.
- Matt Polster ($4.8): This guys on here mainly because of his price and because he doesn’t actually play defense, despite being listed as a defender. He’s become a mainstay in the midfield for Chicago as a defensive midfielder and because of that has been grabbing bonus points along with the clean sheets. He is easily the best defensive option. That being said I the Fire defense isn’t expensive and Jones and Gehrig have had their fair share of chances getting into the attack, while Larentowicz threatens on set pieces.
Fantasy Letdowns
- New York City: The defense hasn’t looked horrible, but it hasn’t been great, and with a limp offense that needs David Villa back, I don’t like their chances going forward. They have done nothing yet to establish consistency and warrant a look. That DGW may have got you stuck with some players, but dump them fast and wait for some consistency.
Colorado Rapids 1 vs. FC Dallas 1
Highlights
Fabian Castillo is a monster. Even though Dallas only scored one goal, the work Castillo did on that goal was top notch and so much fun to watch. If only there were a way for Castillo to play every position. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case and, after conceding early, the Rapids offense really came to life throughout the rest of the game with almost everyone getting involved in the action. The Rapids could’ve had more than one goal, which bodes well for the DGW, but Dallas has a lot to work on.
Fantasy Standouts
- Dillon Powers ($7.7): Powers is a steal at this price, especially with the DGW coming up. This isn’t the first time Powers stood out, but with a DGW coming up he should be on everyone’s team. I don’t see the Red Bulls and LA Galaxy keeping the Rapids out of the net both games and Powers is sure to be involved and create plenty of opportunities.
- Fabian Castillo ($10.0): Castillo’s price increase over the season speaks for itself. On a day when the Dallas offense didn’t look all that great, Castillo was magic in creating their lone goal. Even though I don’t trust Dallas right now, Castillo will make something out of nothing if given a few chances and if the offense happens to click Castillo has the potential to run amok.
Fantasy Letdowns
- Blas Perez ($9.1): Whether we like it or not Perez is a crucial part of the Dallas attack and is always a threat to score. However, he has a temper and when he goes quiet so does Dallas (apart from Castillo). With the way Dallas and their defense are looking right now get rid of Perez and don’t pick him back up for a bit.
- FC Dallas Defense: The defense was overwhelmed throughout this game and didn’t really have very many answers apart from some great last ditch defending and luck. FC Dallas is such a hard team to get behind fantasy wise, because they can be the most dangerous team in all of MLS one week and sub par the next. Feel free to roll the dice, but you’ve been warned.
- Rapids Offense: This is not so much a let down because of poor performance, but because it left you with a feeling of uncertainty. With 6 people getting 2 or more shots and the lone forward getting 0, it makes it hard to interpret the situation. I wouldn’t go all in on the Rapids offense for this upcoming week, because it could be anybody who goes off. I only like Powers to be involved no matter what.
Columbus Crew 4 vs. Philadelphia Union 1
Highlights
…and let the flood gates open. This is the week a lot of people have been waiting for. High scoring game after high scoring game. Exciting back and forth attack oriented soccer with goals galore. While it may have been a lop sided affair, the Crew were still fun to watch and have since created more of a migraine for fantasy owners, because the Crew have thrown in one more very promising fantasy option in Finlay. The same can’t be said for the Union. Ayuk is probably the most promising fantasy option and most exciting player to watch on the Union. I only say that because of Ayuk’s price. After watching this game I can’t justify spending any more money on the Union especially with all the other promising attacking options arising around the league.
Fantasy Standouts
- Kei Kamara ($8.6): He came away with a goal and assist and continued to bring a nice spark to the Columbus offense. His consistency and price are all you need to look at when considering this guy for your team.
- Ethan Finlay ($8.3): Finlay burst onto the scene this week break out of his goalless slump. While it is too soon to see get on the hype train and think he’s about to blow up, if the Crew continue to score like this he’s at least guaranteed assists and CBIs. If you’re really feeling the Crew yellow then look at Meram ($7.8) as well. He’s a cheap and consistent option to get points.
Fantasy Letdowns
- Federico Higuain ($10.3): If you’re going to have a forward from the Crew it should be Kamara. I’m sure Higuain will do well, but Higuain being listed as a forward really hurts him. There’s no need to have him with Kamara available.
- The Philadelphia Union: This was only a letdown if you still have players from the Union. If you do that’s your fault then, because they had two chances to show something and they didn’t do nearly enough to warrant more attention. I can understand if you held on to Aristeguita, but unless you’re a Union fan there’s nothing here for you.
New England Revolution 4 vs. Real Salt Lake 0
Highlights
MORE GOALS and a clean sheet in a weekend that clean sheets seemed hard to come by, that’s the main story. The clean sheet was probably made easier by the fact that Real Salt Lake was MIA the entire game. You could Argue Javier Morales’ absence played a big part, but if a 4 goal thumping is what happens without him, then RSL has some work to do. On the other hand New England is rounding into form. Juan Agudelo showed he could be the striker he was when he left the Revs and the midfield showed its propensity to be the most exciting offensive team to watch in MLS.
Fantasy Standouts
- Juan Agudelo ($8.7): 13 points (1 goal, 1 assist, 1 defending, 2 attacking and 2 mins played). This was a game in which Agudelo wasn’t the lone striker, but more of a winger, however he still managed the most shots on goal, 6 shots, and showed his playmaking abilities. This was his most complete performance all season and shouldn’t be his last.
- Chris Tierney ($7.6): He showed how important he is to this team in his first game back after missing out. His service is deadly and he’s probably the most offensively involved fullback in the league. If you want access to the defense without the expense then check out Woodberry ($5.0), but Tierney is easily your first choice option.
Fantasy Letdowns
- Lee Nguyen ($11.1): In a game with 4 goals it’s sad that Nguyen wasn’t able to snag one of them. He did have 5 shots on goal and he maybe could’ve done better with them. However, his price tag is the reason he shouldn’t be on your team, especially with guys like Agudelo and Davies available for much cheaper.
- Real Salt Lake: There wasn’t anything positive to take away from this performance.
Houston Dynamo 4 vs Sporting Kansas City 4
Highlights
Goals galore with plenty of drama. As fun as lots of goals are it’s much better with drama like we had in this game. The Dynamo seemed to be running away with the game going into the second half, however SKC turned it on in the second half and started to push back with a goal through Dom Dwyer and then a red card in the 79th minute that completely turned the game on its head. Benny’s ensuing penalty kick would be the equalizer and the game would seem lost for the Dynamo, but Rodriguez would play the presumed hero for the Dynamo with a great header goal off of a Brad Davis free kick. As hard as the Dynamo tried they couldn’t keep SKC out of the net and Benny would grab his second off the night deep into stoppage time to cap off a thrilling night. What a game.
Fantasy Standouts
- Benny Feilhaber ($9.7): If you own anybody other than Benny and not Benny then fix it. Benny is the leading fantasy scorer in all of MLS right now and is THE person to have on SKC. Benny is what Zusi always wanted to be, but could never be. He’s a far better player and if I had it my way Zusi would be dropped from the USMNT and Benny would replace him. 61 points after 8 weeks. That’s insane.
- Giles Barnes ($9.3): I said it before and I’ll say it again: Barnes is the offensive threat for the Dynamo. Now that Brad Davis is actually coming into form, Barnes is more reliable and likely to score going forward. With Bruin coming back into the lineup, it only helps Barnes score as Bruin draws in defenders with his hold up play and opens up space for the likes of Barnes. He may be one to pick up soon in preparation for the Dynamo DGW.
- Brad Davis ($9.7): There he is. This is what Davis should look like. When the offense is clicking Davis benefits. He takes corners and can pick out a pass. He is one to consider for their DGW.
Fantasy Letdowns
- Defense: In a game with this much offense there’s nothing positive for the defense on either side. SKC still misses Opara on set pieces, while Matt Besler is trying to find his form. I worry that this could be a common trend for SKC. For the Dynamo, surely there won’t be another game like this next week or the week after. However, Jermaine Taylor didn’t do anyone any favors and the rest of the defense was just underwhelming. Maybe reevaluate these guys after next week to see if it was just indeed a superior show of offense.
That’s the breakdown for the first half of Round 8. 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.
