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New York City FC 3 vs. Montreal Impact 1
Highlights
This is the David Villa we’ve been waiting for and the NYCFC we’ve been waiting for. The offensive display from NYCFC is reflected in their 54% possession, 17 shots and 9 shots on goal. We also saw the emergence of Kwadwo Poku with his 90th minute goal and his subsequent performance in their midweek game against the Cosmos. While NYCFC gave us a lot to be excited about, the Montreal Impact really let everyone down, managing just 3 shots on goal. They have an exciting team so hopefully they can turn it around.
Fantasy Standouts
- David Villa ($10.6): He’s been an iffy pick all year, but I think this really could be the turning point, especially now that they’ve been knocked out of the US Open Cup. Pressures on Villa to win something and the things to win are becoming fewer and fewer.
- Kwadwo Poku ($6.6): This isn’t so much a “get this player on your team right now” kind of standout, but he’s definitely one to watch. He performed superbly in this game and showed his promise against the Cosmos. Watch out. If he truly is just like “Yaya Toure” be ready to pounce when he starts starting.
- Laurent Ciman ($7.7): Man is a beast. He put up 8 points with his team conceding 3 times. Also who else was so happy to see his beautiful set piece? Regardless, 3 defensive bonus points is nothing to scoff at and he looks to be consistent.
Fantasy Letdowns
- Montreal Impact Offense: It’s no secret that everyone was to some extent heavily invested in the Impact this week. Romero, Piatti and McInerney didn’t pan out and it was just really unfortunate. I don’t expect them to stay so poor on offense so don’t jump off the whole offense just yet, but I’m only keeping Piatti for the time being.
Columbus Crew 1 vs. Los Angeles Galaxy
Highlights
One of these two guys is about to be a must have on your fantasy team. That’s all I really want to say about this game. Lletget got the start with a late scratch to Buddle and made the most of it, with superb play and a goal to boot. To his left we have Villarreal, which it is becoming painfully clear, was sorely missed. The Galaxy looked the better of the sides despite chances being relatively even and possession in favor of the Crew. That being said the offensive fire power for the Crew couldn’t get the job done despite Kamara and Meram having almost the entirety of the chances. I liked LA’s fantasy potential in this one and is definitely something to pay attention to.
Fantasy Standouts
- Sebastian Lletget ($6.1) and Jose Villarreal ($6.1): It was clear Villarreal was going to be important as he came back from injury, but what no one predicted was the arrival of Lletget and the performances he produced this weekend and in the USOC against PSA Elite. I don’t know if I see the two of them earning starts together anytime soon, but again their performances can’t be ignored and Villarreal should definitely be a fantasy play now.
- Robbie Keane ($11.0): The man is back. This is a standout for his performance midweek against PSA Elite. We can tell Robbie is hungry and it doesn’t look like his appetite is going anywhere. Watch out MLS.
Fantasy Letdowns
- Columbus Crew Offense: The Crew are on the letdowns because frankly they didn’t standout. When you have 4 potential fantasy players in your offense you need to be scoring multiple goals a game. Meram and Kamara blanked this weekend with Higuain and Finlay coming away with points. Kamara is so enticing because of his low price, but tear off the bandaid that is Kamara and do it fast so the pain is less. Finlay is the only guy I recommend keeping right now, dude is killing it with assists.
New England Revolution 2 vs. Chicago Fire 0
Highlights
This man right here. This game marked Diego Fagundez’s 100th MLS appearance at the tender age of 20. He made a point to celebrate leading the Revs to a dominating performance on offense. Fagundez had a goal of the year candidate and then a beautiful chest to help set up the 2nd goal (should’ve been a hockey assist and 3 points for Fagundez). The Fire did everything in their power to disappoint the rest of us. Despite the game being very even and the Fire having the greater number of chances, they just couldn’t convert. Can’t help but wonder how badly they miss Accam right now. The Fire offense has some exciting pieces and I think we’re all just waiting for them to settle into some consistency.
Fantasy Standouts
- Diego Fagundez ($7.2): The kid can obviously play. Let’s not forget the performance Fagundez has 2 years ago as an 18 year old scoring 13 goals and leading the team in that same category. He’s also amassed 24 goals in 100 appearances already. I have no issue telling you he will continue to score and his price will rise.
- Charlie Davies ($9.1): He’s hot and cold and that’s the nature of most strikers you’ll pick up in this game. Fortunately Davies has been predominantly hot and will continue to score, especially if Fagundez’s form continues.
Fantasy Letdowns
- Chicago Fire: Defense didn’t impress and the offense didn’t either. Can’t wait for Accam to get back and liven up the attack. It doesn’t appear they lack a finisher, because we’ve seen Igbo get it done. Maybe Igbo just doesn’t feel right without Accam. I guess we’ll find out soon.
Seattle Sounders FC 3 vs. FC Dallas 0
Highlights
When the big guns are gone (Oba) Lamar Neagle shines bright. He did so this weekend helping the Sounders to a convincing 3-0 win over FC Dallas. Obafemi Martins eventually came in to work another piece of magic and find the net, but with his injury in the midweek game, it looks like Neagle will still be a viable play. The prospects for Dallas look even worse than Oba’s injury. They got absolutely shredded, held to 2 shots on goal. Realistically, compared to the Sounders offensive production, it looked similar. The difference is the Sounders scored all 3 of their shots on target. Take that for what you will. Maybe the Sounders truly have the best defense in the league, or maybe FC Dallas is just in their usual slump. Oh by the way… LEO GONZALEZ!!!!!! EVERYONE SHOULD OWN HIM IN FANTASY OUT OF RESPECT FOR HIS GOLAZOOOO (I’m not a Sounders fan I swear………………)
Fantasy Standouts
- Lamar Neagle ($8.8): Neagle’s price tag is getting annoyingly high, precisely because he has performed enough this season to raise it and because he’s shown his potential in past seasons. He doesn’t have a silky smooth touch or anything like that, but he’s fast, knows where to be to score goals and likes to hit the occasional golazo.
- Tyrone Mears ($7.0): It’s looking like the Sounders have one of the best defense in the league and Mears is the cheapest surefire starter. Got a defensive bonus this weekend and is known to take some free kicks and get into the attack.
Fantasy Letdowns
- Obafemi Martins: He teased us with his skill this weekend just to get injured in the midweek game. In all seriousness I hope the injury isn’t as bad as it looked and I wish him a speedy recovery. Unforunately, in the meantime, that means don’t scoop him up.
- FC Dallas: This team is supposed to be one of the most fun attacks to watch in the league. They also had a solid defense in the beginning of the season. After this performance there’s no one I can recommend, but I won’t condemn sticking with the likes of Zimmerman or even Castillo, because let’s be honest, you know the second you drop Castillo he’s gonna go off for 20 points.
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.
