Boss’ Breakdown – 2016 Round 1

Welcome back! Round 1 is in the books and although the new point categories are lighting up our FMLS scoreboards, the old standbys aren’t about to go away with an opening day record of 36 goals scored! Red cards, last-minute injuries, and misjudged starting XI’s made for extra drama but in case you missed anything, here’s a recap of Round 1.

New York Red Bulls (0) – (2) Toronto FC

The Supporters Shield holders NYRB hosted the reigning MVP and Toronto FC. NYRB dominated possession (63/37) but were unable to break through the newly resolute TFC backline. Highly owned Sacha Kljestan and Dax McCarty each earned 4 points and Gideon Baah made an early impression in the center of defense. Sebastian Giovinco, as many expected, scored and provided an assist to Marky Delgado late in the match to seal a victory for Toronto FC.

MOTM – Sebastian Giovinco ($11.6)
Much to the chagrin of the owners who opted not to get him, he proved his worth!

WATCH LIST – Tsubasa Endoh ($5.5)
Endoh’s a pretty tricky winger who should retain his spot even when Altidore returns from injury.

Chicago Fire (3) – (4) New York City FC

An apparent lack of a defensive game plan for either team lead to a 7 goal thriller. NYCFC’s Khiry Shelton, Thomas McNamara, and Mix Diskerud stole the show, each registering a goal and an assist. David Accam was the main man on the Fire’s side of the ball making 3 key passes, 2 BCCs, and having 7 shots of his own.

MOTM – David Accam ($9.2)
Attentive managers had mere minutes to scramble and add Accam to their lineups. He didn’t disappoint, racking up 14pts.

WATCHLIST- David Villa ($10.9)
His ZERO involvement in any of the goals is surely a fluke, look for him to get amongst the goals soon.

WATCHLIST – Goosens ($7.0)
How long does it take to get a visa? Anyone?

Orlando City SC (2) – (2) Real Salt Lake

This game was nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster. NO KAKA (ruled out for this Fridays match too), 2 red cards, 2 goals in stoppage time. Cyle Larin left it late but his goal and assist saved a point for Orlando. Real Salt Lake will feel hard done by but they had every chance to see the game out.

MOTM – Joao Plata ($9.2)
The Ecuadorian is back to his dancing ways but more importantly, he’s on PK’S now?!

WATCHLIST – Brek Shea ($8.0)
He started on the left-wing, but is listed as defender in FMLS (the elusive OOP!!).

WATCHLIST – Burrito ($8.5)
Killer nickname and skills as well?

FC Dallas (2) – (0) Philadelphia Union

Thanks to the (eventual) help of u/luetchy10, we knew the highly owned Zach Loyd wouldn’t be starting in Dallas’ back four. Instead, Walker Zimmerman got the start in the center along Matt Hedges. Other than that, the Dallas offense performed as expected continuing their attractive playing style and use of speed along the wings. Mauro Diaz was the man pulling strings with two assists for Fabian Castillo and newcomer Maxi Urruti. As for Philadelphia, they seemed to lack ideas having just 2 shots on target. In defense, they should feel comfortable with Blake in goal as he registered 8 saves.

MOTM – Mauro Diaz ($10.2)
The argentine dazzled his way to 14pts via 2 assists, 6 key passes, and 2 BCCs.

WATCHLIST – Walker Zimmerman ($6.1)
With all the uncertainty regarding international matches and FCD’s back four, could Zimmerman be the safest bet?

San Jose Earthquakes (1) – (0)  Colorado Rapids

This is the one match that went according to script. All except Shaun Francis being subbed at halftime! It’s an apparent quad issue, but severity needs to be confirmed. San Jose’s stalwarts kept Colorado out of goal but allowed 18 shots (7 on target). Dashdar’s darling Axel Sjoberg got the start at center back, and at just $5.5, he’s a decent shout to shed some funds for the upcoming DGW’S.

MOTM – David Bingham ($6.1)
The USMNT goalkeeper lead the team with 9 points by way of 5 saves.

WATCHLIST – Kip Colvey ($4.5)
The fill-in fullback could add attacking points to San Joses’ already stellar clean sheet potential.

Houston Dynamo (3) – (3) New England Revolution

The Houston heat must be out early this year as it took under 3 mins for Diego Fagundez to slam home a volley from outside the box. Houston’s newcomers Cristian Maidana and Andrew Wenger got on the score sheet through some defensive errors but it was the Diego/Diago connection in the 93rd minute that sealed a draw for both teams.

MOTM – Deigo Fagundez ($8.2)
The youngster earned 17pts and looks to be in midseason form already!

WATCHLIST – Cristian Maidana ($9.1)
He looks to be the one leading the attack, just have to hope Bruin won’t fluff those BCCs!

Vancouver Whitecaps (2) – (3) Montreal Impact

Its Ignacio Piatti’s party and we’re all here to witness. He decimated the usually stout Vancouver defense to the tune of 20 points via 2 goals and an assist. It’s scary to think that even with Didier Drogba MIA, he had this insane of a game. Vancouver defenders Jordan Harvey and Kendall Waston kept them in the game but Piatti’s magic was too much for the Whitecaps.

MOTM – Ignacio Patti ($10.2)
This performance begs the question, is he essential?

WATCHLIST – Pedro Morales ($10.6)
He racked up a sneaky 10pts and will continue to benefit from new attacking point categories.

WATCHLIST – Tim Parker ($6.5)
Parker got the nod over Kah, great value if the defense can find form.

Portland Timbers (2) – (1) Columbus Crew

In a rematch of last year’s MLS CUP, Portland hosted Columbus to an exciting game in which Portland had 20 shots and Columbus tallied 19. The attacking midfielder Diego Valeri was the main point generator, scoring a fantastic freekick. Federico Higuian did his best to distract the attention from those ridiculous kits with his bicycle goal, but it was Fanendo Adi who poached home the winner in the 79th minute.

MOTM  – Deigo Valeri ($10.2)
A curling FK goal and 5 attacking bonus, yes please!

WATCHLIST – Hector Jimenez ($5.5)
Another potential OOP, if he retains his starting role.

Seattle Sounders (0) – (1) Sporting Kansas City

The sloppy rain made for an easily forgettable game. SKC had Benny Feilhaber, Brad Davis, Justin Mapp, and Ike Opara miss out through injury and Seattle went a man down when their fullback Oniel Fisher went in for a two-legged tackle and was red carded. The lone goal was scored by SKC’s Nuno Coehlo in the 73rd minute which Stephan Frei arguably should’ve saved. Everyone’s budget pick Andreas Ivanschitz was very involved and some attacking returns are in the very near future from one of those whipped in corners.

MOTM – Nuno Coelho ($7.7)
Highest scoring defender of the week with 16pts, but what does this mean for (fan-favorite) Opara’s playing time?

WATCHLIST – Osvaldo Olonso ($8.5)
Not only did he get the pass completion and defensive bonus, but he also received the “was fouled” bonus. (1 of only 7 to receive bonus)

Los Angeles Galaxy (4) – (1) D.C. United

It’s almost understood that Los Angeles takes a while to get into gear, it’s the same every year. Apparently one half is good enough! An early goal for Lamar Neagle gave DC United the lead, but 4 second half goals saw Los Angeles take the win. The re-debut of Mike Magee sparked the onslaught of goals but his substitution came to be because of an injury to Gio Dos Santos. Goalkeeper Dan Kennedy was also substituted early after suffering an injury. Both are dealing with left leg issues, timetable yet to be determined.

MOTM – Mike Magee ($7.2)
Mickey is back! 17pts in 45 mins, pure magic.

WATCHLIST – Daniel Steres ($5.2)
Still unclear about JVD, but if Steres retains his starting spot, he could be quite useful.