Fantasy MLS 2015 Round 9 Review (Part 1)

New York Red Bulls 1 vs. Colorado Rapids 1

Highlights

There were some lineup worries coming into this week with the Red Bulls and the first game saw the lineup changes come not with the Red Bulls, but with the Rapids and center back Drew Moor. He was literally a game day scratch, having been penciled in on the roster 30 minutes before and then taken off just prior to kick off making way for Burling to get the start. The Red Bulls put out a roster with no surprises, however the surprises would come in the second game. The game was back and forth with Red Bulls controlling the majority of possession and the Rapids looking to go on the break. Both goals would come off of dead balls with a BWP PK and a Dillon Powers free kick to Gabriel Torres, who was the Rapids most active player.

Fantasy Standouts/Letdowns

• Not much can be said just yet until we look at the second game, however, BWP, Torres and Powers all looked sharp on the ball and could prove to be a big boost for the DGW. Klejstan also looked sharp and earned the penalty that led to the BWP goal.

Houston Dynamo 1 vs. FC Dallas 4

Highlights

Houston Dynamo didn’t do itself any favors heading into the DGW with a mediocre performance against a hot FC Dallas team. Meanwhile Fabian Castillo showed once again why he might be the best player in MLS, and FC Dallas welcomed back young playmaker Mauro Diaz. Dallas found its lead early from Hollingshead and Texiera goals with assists from Fabian Castillo and Mauro Diaz. Soon after Giles Barnes pulled one back, however, after the half FC Dallas ran away with the game with goals from Castillo and Diaz. It seems as though FC Dallas is back, and hopefully Zimmerman will be able to slot in nicely for injured Zach Lloyd. That being said Dynamo had 65% of the possession so it may not be all that bad for the upcoming DGW.

Fantasy Standouts

• Fabian Castillo ($10.2): Pretty soon he’s going to be out of peoples’ price ranges. He’s a proven scorer and playmaker. If Dallas continues to thrive it’ll be through him and Mauro Diaz ($9.3). Mauro Diaz by the way has great potential, but still needs to prove he can stay healthy so keep an eye out for him.
• Walker Zimmerman ($5.4): Early in the year many people were high on Zimmerman if he was going to start, but he just couldn’t break through. Now he’s got an opportunity with Lloyd out injured and could be a very good option. He’s very cheap, gets CBIs, plays on a team that can be very solid defensively and gets up for corners often.
• Giles Barnes ($9.4)/Brad Davis ($9.8): Barnes proved he could be the goal scorer the Dynamo needs, but they just need to do so more frequently. They had 65% of possession, 30 crosses and outshot FC Dallas 2 to 1. Normally I wouldn’t like either of these guys for my team, but if you’re going to wildcard and want to get in on the DGW I would suggest one of these two. Davis is the safer bet with likely bonus points, but I think Barnes could have a big week. Play it safe or risk it for the biscuit, it’s up to you.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Houston Dynamo Defense: I know people want Jermaine Taylor and Tyler Deric for this DGW, but if you don’t have them, don’t get them. Maybe they’ll outscore your current defenders by a couple of points, but you also may be better off spending that money in preparation for the upcoming DGWs or on getting that must have player.

Real Salt Lake 1 vs. San Jose Earthquakes 1

Highlights

Real Salt Lake’s offensive struggles continued with the only goal coming on a Victor Bernardez OG and Javier Morales’ early exit didn’t help either. Meanwhile, Wondolowski proved he can score even when pushed back into the midfield role. That being said, neither offense did much to build any sort of hype going into the DGW. The game wasn’t filled with many chances, and RSL couldn’t do much with 60% possession, only putting up 7 shots, 0 on target. However, because of the poor form of both of these teams, these could be great differential picks.

Fantasy Standouts

• Chris Wondolowski ($10.8): Wondo has been put into a new midfield role with all the personnel changes that have happened, however he has still managed the most shots on goal in the last game and was the only one to score. That doesn’t mean he played the best or was a great mover of the ball, but it did show that he has that annoying ability to be in the right place at the right time. I wouldn’t be surprised if he gets at least one goal this week.
• Matias Perez Garcia ($8.0): MPG could be the best DGW option. He is very reasonably priced, especially considering how involved he is in the final third. He takes corner kicks and plays penetrating passes. Something has to click soon and it would be pretty great if he did it during this DGW.
• Jamison Olave ($8.1): He’s the most likely defender to get CBIs and score. If there’s anyone with an upside it’s this guy, however he is a bit pricy and with an offense that’s only gotten worse with Jorales’ injury it may not be best. Keep an eye on Jorales.
• Jordan Allen ($4.9): When Jorales came out Allen came in. At $4.9 and listed as a defender there could be tremendous upside for him. It’s probably not worth a transfer; however if you have him on your bench, definitely consider playing him. There’s a chance he starts both games and if they get a clean sheet it will have been worth it.

Fantasy Letdowns

• San Jose/Real Salt Lake Defense: I know I mentioned Olave as a standout, but that’s because I think Real Salt Lake will be under a lot of pressure and with 2 games Olave will rack up some great bonus points and if he gets a clean sheet as well, great. The rest of RSL and San Jose don’t look so good. They haven’t been known for CBIs up until now and aren’t known for their attacking fullbacks. There’s not much to see here with these defenses.

Philadelphia Union 0 vs. Toronto FC 1

Highlights

The Union is still the Union… Now let’s talk about the exciting news, Giovinco is good. Giovinco continued his run of form with a dirty free kick and looks to have plenty more in him. Even with over 60% of the possession, the Union only came up with 9 shots and a 1 on target. Toronto FC controlled less than 40% possession, but had 11 shots and 3 on target. The Union just don’t have that attacking spark just yet. Maybe Eric Ayuk develops into the spark they need, but they need to figure something out soon, especially with CJ Sapong’s recent DUI issue.

Fantasy Standouts

• Sebastian Giovinco ($11.6): The Atomic Ant is proving his worth and is making me want to pick Altidore up more and more with the service Giovinco is giving. Also if you haven’t heard, the two are best buds on and off the field making for some great chemistry.
• Nick Hagglund ($6.0): Hagglund seems to be solidifying himself in the center back position, while simultaneously Toronto is coming into defensive and offensive form. He gets bonus points and is a set piece threat making him well worth the $6.0

Fantasy Letdowns

• Philadelphia Union: If you still have any players from the Union, drop them. The offense hasn’t shown it can light it up, and the defense can only handle so much if its offense can’t produce. There’s some potential with guys like Eric Ayuk who could blow up, but there’s nothing there to warrant any looks for your fantasy team.

DC United 2 vs. Columbus Crew 0

Highlights

This game wasn’t as lopsided as the score line leads one to believe. The Crew had 57% of the possession and had more shots throughout the game, albeit less on target. For those of you who have Kamara, Finlay or Meram you were probably upset, especially with Finlay and Meram’s combined 1 shot (off target). With an in form Seattle Sounders coming up next week it may be time to give the Crew a break, meanwhile DC United is coming into form at just the right time. The big news here is the return of Espindola. He had a goal and an assist this game and looks to be a must have with the upcoming DGWs that United has.

Fantasy Standouts

• Sean Franklin ($8.2): Even more spectacular than Espindola was Sean Franklin. He had 2 offense and 2 defensive bonuses, with a clean sheet and goal. Even if he doesn’t score that goal or get that clean sheet, 4 CBIs is always a good sign. With the upcoming DGWs Sean Franklin also may be a must have.
• Fabian Espindola ($10.2): You may want to get him before his price rises too much. He’s a must have for the DC United DGWs. 7 7 7 means its your lucky day at the slots and also means Chris Rolfe has been very consistent over the past 3 games, scoring 7 fantasy points in each of the last 3 games. I’m temped to forgo this weeks DGWers in favor of DC United but we’ll see.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Kei Kamara ($8.6): He’s probably the most owned player on the Columbus Crew and for good reason. He’s cheap and had scored 21 points in the 2 games previous to this weekend. However, he put up a whopping 2 points this week against DC United and is a facing a Sounders defense that has looked solid the past couple weeks. I wouldn’t expect much from him next week.
• Columbus Crew: Facing a Sounders offense that always finds ways to score through Dempsey and Martins, it may not be a good idea to bet on the Crew this weekend. I like their chances the following week against San Jose, but it’s probably best to drop your Crew players in favor of either DGWers or in prep for DC United’s DGW.

That’s the breakdown for the first half of Round 9. 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.