MLS Fantasy Review Round 13 (Part 2)

 

DC United 2 vs. Philadelphia Union 1

Highlights

DC United redeemed their midweek performance with a dominant performance against the Union. DC United controlled 60% of possession and put away the chances they needed to while standing up to the chances the Union had. Chris Rolfe looks to be the offensive cornerstone for DC United so it’s unfortunate he will be out for the next game, while the Union still needs something to help turn their luck around and give their supporters the team they deserve.

Fantasy Standouts

• Chris Rolfe ($9.0): He’s sitting out this week so don’t get him yet. However, if Espindola fails to make it back into the fold Rolfe looks like he’ll continue to lead the line. Another one to keep an eye on is Luis Silva if he gets back to full health.
• Cristian Maidana ($8.7): at .9% ownership and averaging almost 5 points a game the past 6 rounds this guy could be a sneaky pick up for the DGW.

Fantasy Letdowns

• The rest of DC United and Union offense: DC United’s offense is too spread and doesn’t have a clear offensive leader (outside of Rolfe) to bet on for consistent performances. The same goes for Union who are also hindered by bad performance after bad performance.

Orlando City SC 2 vs. Columbus Crew 2

Highlights

At least Orlando is scoring even if it takes a PK and being up a man, but Columbus’ ability to fight back and almost win the game while being down a man. If it’s true that Orlando made a massive bid for Dwyer and got turned down it’s understandable, because Orlando needs something to help their offensive woes. They had 24 shots to Columbus’ 9 and didn’t put more than 1 in during the run of play and that goal from the run of play came in the 89th minute.

Fantasy Standouts

• Kei Kamara ($9.1): At his price and with a DGW he’s a must have. Of course Finlay and Meram wouldn’t be bad to consider, but at this point their ownerships are so high it may be good to get a differential.
• Kaka ($11.7): a bit too expensive for my taste especially with his wingman (no pun intended) Shea on International duty this week, but as long as there continues to be PKs he will continue to score and maybe he’ll do something else too.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Defense: With Parkhurts red card the Crew defense may not be able to hold up. They’re playing Montreal and the Union, but those aren’t as easy as they look. The Union may not win, but they’re definitely going to get a goal, they can’t stand the criticism and Montreal got unlucky with the red card last week. Meanwhile Orlando is not the team to bet on especially with some players missing.

Chicago Fire 3 vs. Montreal Impact 0

Highlights

A 37th minute red card to Donadel derailed Montreal. Let’s not take away from the Fire though, they put on a fantastic offensive performance and finished out a game up a man the way Orlando should’ve hoped to do against the Crew. With the Fire’s 20 shots 11 on goal and Montreal’s 3 shots and 0 on goal I feel that Montreal would’ve lost either way, but it’ll be interesting to see where these two teams go from here.

Fantasy Standouts

• Kennedy Igboananike ($7.7): Dude’s been waiting to catch fire and I think he just caught it. Get him for the DGW or else…
• Harrison Shipp ($8.0): With Maloney on international duty it may be this guy’s time to shine.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Ignacio Piatti ($9.7): subbed off before the 60th minute and disappointing, but I still think he has the ability to shine.
• The rest of Montreal: They just didn’t do themselves any favors going into the DGW, but the big names like Ciman or maybe Piatti could be worth a shot.

Colorado Rapids 1 vs. Portland Timbers 2

Highlights

Boy Colorado really looked to put a dagger in the heart of the Timbers, but it happened to be the other way around. With a goal at the death by the Rapids to earn a point, the Timbers scored even closer to the death to crush the spirits of the struggling Rapids. Watch out for the Timbers they’re climbing the ranks with 2 straight wins. Once Valeri is up and running they’re dangerous.

Fantasy Standouts

• Diego Valeri ($10.1): Once he’s back he will fit in nicely and be a great fantasy option. For now the offense is too scattered to put trust in any one player.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Rapids: They need some chemistry bad. Once they get it though, watch out. Until then go easy on the rapids players except for maybe their defense that has looked strong.

Seattle Sounders 2 vs. New York Red Bulls 1

Highlights

Marco Pappa. He’s been the offensive revelation for the Sounders the past 2 weeks, emerging as the Sounders 3rd attacking prong. With Dempsey dropping off into the center mid role he made a name for himself play, it’s allowed Pappa to shine and perform for the Sounders. The Sounders controlled the majority of possession and shined in that sense, but had fewer shots on goal than the Red Bulls. Don’t let those stats fool you though, the Sounders are getting quality chances and will be expected to put those away more often than not. The Red Bulls however, need to get it rolling and keep the momentum they previously had.

Fantasy Standouts

• Marco Pappa ($9.2): His seemingly new role with the Sounders could mean great things and if he continues to get out wide he will have a host of chances for the Sounders.
• Clint Dempsey ($11.8): Without the call up to the USMNT it could be good news for Dempsey owners. Unless his wife goes into labor on game day he could be available which would be nice for the Sounders. He also had 5 shots on goal and don’t expect him to miss that many shots again.
• Lloyd Sam ($9.1): If he returns to his form he had in the beginning of the season it would be good news for the Red Bulls. He’s fast, dangerous on the wings, and has a good shot coming inside. If the Red Bulls are going to continue their early season success, Sam will also be successful.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Bradley Wright-Phillips ($11.3): BWP’s ability to go quiet in games negatively affects his fantasy value and makes me hesitant to spend that kind of money on him.

New England Revolution 2 vs. Los Angeles Galaxy 2

Highlights

Both sides youth came out to play in this game. Fagundez and the young guns from the Revs were a constant threat and the depth is real for this team. They are definitely a team to beat. Meanwhile Villarreal and Zardes had tantalizing link up play for LA’s second goal that got cut short by Villarreal’s early exit. Without the star power of Jones (left the game early) for the Revs and Keane for LA. I’m excited for both of these team.

Fantasy Standouts

• Jose Villarreal ($6.2): I hope his injury isn’t serious, because LA could use Jose either up top or on the wing, or wherever.
• Ignacio Maganto ($4.7): This is a guy to stash on the bench with the upcoming WC. If he works his way into a starting role the promise he showed will turn into fantasy value.
• Scott Caldwell ($7.5): This guy is going under the radar and is performing surprisingly well. He’s not known for his attacking prowess, but assisted this week and had 3 attacking BPs.

Fantasy Letdowns

• London Woodberry ($4.6): London has been struggling to replicate the form that caused many fantasy owners to pick him up. May be worth holding onto now just to hope he earns some value back. 3 1s in the last 3 games, not good.

 

That’s the breakdown for the first half of Round 10. 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.