Matchups are one of the most important factors to consider when crafting your fantasy lineup each week. In MLS, where home field provides a greater advantage than most leagues, players frequently deal with cross country travel and multiple competitions, which can impact performance. It’s important to consider these factors, as well as performance metrics such as home/away form and player absences to pinpoint favorable matchups. Let’s dive into the round 19 slate:

NYCFC vs Toronto FC (Thurs, 6:30pm CT)

Toronto already sucked, and now they’ve parted ways with two of their attacking DPs, Bernardeschi and Insigne. Things could get even worse for a TFC side that currently sits joint-second bottom of the Eastern Conference. Tonight’s matchup sees them take a trip to Yankee Stadium where they’ll be hosted by NYCFC. The hosts have had a mixed bag of results lately with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches. But, against a poor TFC squad, I expect them to take care of business and pick up a big three points. All NYC assets are worth targeting here, and they’ll hopefully help us cash in on some early points to kick off this 4th of July weekend.

PLAYER TARGETS:

• Alonso Martinez (FWD, NYC)
• Hannes Wolf (MID, NYC)
• Thiago Martins (DEF, NYC)

Charlotte FC vs Orlando City SC (Sat, 6:15pm CT)

The first match on a stacked Saturday slate should be a fun one with Charlotte taking on Orlando at home. Both these teams have been involved in some shootouts this year, and I don’t see why this one wouldn’t be high scoring on both sides. With Charlotte centerback Andrew Privett likely out, Orlando’s attack will fancy their chances to hang a couple on a depleted defense. As for Charlotte’s attack, they’re scoring over 2 goals per game at home this season, and I don’t think they’ll be shutout against a side that has conceded multiple goals in four of their last five league matches. There are tasty attacking options on both sides of this matchup and we could definitely see some big fantasy returns.

PLAYER TARGETS:

• Pep Biel (MID, CLT)
• Idan Toklomati (FWD, CLT)
• Martin Ojeda (MID, ORL)
• Marco Pasalic (MID, ORL)

FC Cincinnati vs Chicago Fire (Sat, 6:30pm CT)

To round out this week’s target matchups we’re staying in the Eastern Conference again as Cincy will take on the Fire at TQL Stadium. The home side come into this one hot with three straight wins, all on the road. They’ll be looking to make it four in a row against a Chicago side that is far from invincible defensively. However, if we see an early goal on either side, this one could open up and be yet another high scoring, end-to-end matchup. Both teams have the talent to score some goals, and both defenses have proven to be susceptible at times. I’ll definitely have a couple pieces from this match.

PLAYER TARGETS:

• Evander (MID, CIN)
• Kevin Denkey (FWD, CIN)
• Luca Orellano (DEF, CIN) *questionable
• Phillip Zinckernagel (MID, CHI)
• Hugo Cuypers (FWD, CHI)

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Contributor: Eli Redpath, @vurkes on Discord