Fantasy MLS 2015 Round 8 Review (Part 2)

Vancouver Whitecaps 1 vs. DC United 2

Highlights

I’m going to overlook the fact that Morales celebrated his goal as if he were a giddy schoolboy who ended up scoring a goal to win a World Cup, because that was just ridiculous. The rest of the game Morales was dangerous as usual and contributed to Vancouver’s dangerous attack. Soon after the early Whitecaps’ goal, a lapse in focus allowed DC United back in the game with a Boswell header. The rest of the game DC United looked the same as usual, with no clear attacking threat. I guess you could say Chris Rolfe is seeming to emerge as an attacking threat for DC United, but had Rivero put away one of his chances and the Caps found a new center back to replace Kah, this would’ve been 2-1 in favor of the Caps.

Fantasy Standouts

• Pedro Morales ($11.2): As long as he doesn’t continue to celebrate his goals like he’s never scored before, Morales is as dangerous as ever. In addition to his goal this weekend he contributed with 4 attacking bonuses, which probably would’ve been an assist or two had his teammates brought their scoring boots.
• Octavio Rivero ($8.9): This game helped Rivero make a case for everyone’s team. He showed that even when he doesn’t score he can still play provider and potentially be a player like Obafemi Martins who becomes essential to the attack in the manner of both goal scorer and provider. He also had 6 shots, which is always good to see out of your striker, just wish he would’ve put one away.
• Chris Rolfe ($8.8): With 5, 7, 7 points in the last three games, Rolfe seems to be the only person I’d be willing to bet on in the DC attack. Even with the return of Espindola it seems to have only benefited Rolfe. Whether or not he can remain consistent from here on out is another question, so it’s probably best to keep an eye on him.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Kendall Waston ($8.7): It may be time to drop Kendall Waston. The Caps defense hasn’t looked as solid as usual and Waston isn’t putting up the bonus points or goals that he needs with the price he has. If you’re still keen on the Caps Beitashour is a good replacement at $1.2 cheaper and he got into the attack with an assist this weekend.

New York Red Bulls 1 vs. LA Galaxy 1

Highlights

The Red Bulls dominated in a game that saw a very weak Galaxy take on an in form Red Bulls. Galaxy had some notable lineup changes continue with Alan Gordon staying up top in absence of Keane, Zardes moving over to the wing instead of up top with Gordon and Jamieson taking over the duties up top. The only positives the Galaxy showed throughout the game was a bright young attacking talent, Jamieson, making something out of nothing and Gonzalez continue to be a defensive stalwart for the Galaxy. That’s it. On the flip side, the Red Bulls should’ve had 2 or 3 more goals. Bradley Wright-Phillips had one point blank chance he should’ve put away and a slew of other chances he maybe could’ve done something with. Ultimately it was a deflected BWP shot and a very fortunate slap to the face for Felipe that got the goal for the Red Bulls.

Looking ahead to the Red Bulls DGW this week and LA’s DGW next week it’s worrisome. Marsch has been talking about changing up the lineup, making for inconsistency in guys who will play 180 minutes and LA Galaxy continues to deal with the absence of Keane and Villarreal, leaving us guessing at who will end up in the focal point of the attack. You’ll have to stay tuned to the chat on this website and reddit to try and figure it out over this week and next week. With Zubar healthy Miazga may be at risk of losing time. Marsch also said that the outside backs and outside mid spots may be open to rotation so check the roster this Wednesday before making changes.

Fantasy Standouts

• Bradford Jamieson ($5.6): This is the obvious standout with how low his price is and his ability to generate scoring opportunities. The only question is whether he starts or not for much longer. When we see Keane come back will Jamieson take over the duty up top and push Zardes out wide? Will he win the spot in midfield? If he does he’s worth a look on a full strength Galaxy side.
• Omar Gonzalez ($9.5): If you can afford it Gonzalez looks to be a must have. He’s been scoring defensive bonuses in bunches and basically makes his own clean sheet even when his team loses. That coupled with his ability to score goals on set pieces and assist on others makes him essential to any team. He’s going to be on my team for their DGW and I may even captain him.
• Felipe Martins ($8.4): Felipe is an essential pick for the upcoming DGW. I see him playing 180 minutes and he’s shown his ability to get bonus points at the very least. With all the crosses he’ll take he’s bound to get an assist and maybe even score his own goal as well. He’s cheaper than BWP and slightly cheaper than Sam so he may be the easiest way to get some of the DGW action.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Bradley Wright-Phillips ($11.0): So I put him in the Letdowns, but I still think he could be essential for this DGW. He’s getting chances; it’s just a matter of his ability to finish, which I think is there. However, his ability to go missing from a game may not make him desirable after the DGW, so drop him depending on the DGW performance.

Orlando City SC 0 vs. Toronto FC 2

Highlights

I had a gut feeling Altidore was going to go off this week and he did. The only problem was I’m too good at talking myself down from impulse decisions… Jozy looked so confident and his touch, which I usually think is suspect, was phenomenal bringing down the ball for his second goal and setting up his first. On top of that Giovinco looked to continue his good run of form as well providing an assist and almost scoring a goal. Meanwhile Orlando continued a downward spiral akin to that of NYCFC…

Fantasy Standouts

• Jozy Altidore ($9.8): Before he gets too expensive get him. I like Jozy for lots of goals against Philadelphia next week.
• Sebastian Giovinco ($11.5): So if you can stomach the price Giovinco is starting to round into form. That being said his price is absurdly high, and he’s unfortunately hit his stride when others didn’t making his price rise astronomical. If you already have him keep him, because I think his form combined with Jozy’s will only make him increase further.
• Nick Hagglund ($5.9): He’s a great source of bonus points and has potential to score.  Toronto seem to be finally rounding into form and if Hagglund continues to start he should be a great and cheap defensive option.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Orlando City SC: The defense wasn’t together and the offense just couldn’t put away chances. They held over 65% percent of possession, didn’t do anything more than Toronto did with 35%, which is worrisome. If you haven’t already it’s time to give up on Kaka for the time being and subsequently Molino and Larin, until they can prove their worth again.

Seattle Sounders 1 vs. Portland Timbers 0

Highlights

It’s unfortunate when coaches don’t want a high scoring game like Caleb Porter. He knew that they might get blown out if they let play open up and consequently had his team bog down the midfield and give very few chances to Oba and Dempsey. I understand what he was going for, but with Dempsey and Oba together as well as Nagbe on the field an open game would’ve been way more exciting. Regardless, Dempsey and Oba did what they do best, and still created chances, resulting in a Dempsey game-winning goal. The game played out very evenly with both sides having a good chance or two, but otherwise it was rather quiet, hopefully this doesn’t happen next week.

Fantasy Standouts

• Clint Dempsey ($11.4): In a game void of scoring chances and with Dempsey listed as a midfielder but playing as a forward he’s a must have in my book. This was really Oba and Dempsey’s first game back together at full strength so expect the chemistry to come back and goals to start coming in bunches.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Lamar Neagle ($8.6): After an electric game last week, Neagle had fantasy owners salivating at the potential. However, no one expected the game to pan out the way it did and in addition Neagle just looked off all game. Don’t be fooled by his occasional break out game; he won’t be a consistent performer until Dempsey goes away on international duty so hold off on him.
• Portland Timbers: Nagbe didn’t even have a single bonus point. Adi didn’t start. Right now Alvas Powell is the most dangerous looking player for the Timbers fantasy-wise. Maybe it was because they were playing the Sounders that they decided to sacrifice their own attack to stop the Sounders, but the Timbers still need time to prove themselves.

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.