MLS Fantasy Review Round 18 (Part 2)

FC Dallas 3 vs. New England Revolution 0

Highlights

For the first part of the season we were praising the depth and offensive flair of the young Revolution attack, but all they’ve been doing of late is firing blanks. The trend continued with a 3-0 loss to FC Dallas that wasn’t as lopsided as the score entailed. FC Dallas only had 4 shots on goal, but put away 3, while New England only managed 2 shots on frame. Something needs to happen with the Revs. FC Dallas isn’t that much stronger of an opponent to explain this spanking. With transfer window opening we could see some changes for the Revs and potentially some new fantasy studs. FC Dallas looked solid and only need to figure out how to make sure Castillo and Diaz stay on their game after a dominant performance from the two.

Fantasy Standouts

• Fabian Castillo ($10.5): He’s scored 7, 8, 8 in his last 3 games, finding the consistency that has plagued his fantasy outlook for so long. Now that he has a consistent playmaker, Mauro Diaz, who can help him utilize his speed, he should be a no brainer.
• Mauro Diaz ($9.8): He’s only owned by 2.1% of owners and has scored 8 and 14, respectively, in his last two games. The future is looking good for him, especially with Castillo continuing his form.

Fantasy Letdowns

• New England Revolution: The young, exciting offense is there, but they just can’t get it going. They’re facing issues of identity, leaving potential studs on the bench because of too much depth, that may be hurting their chances. The transfer window should bring some interesting news for fantasy owners, as I expect changes for the Revs.

Vancouver Whitecaps 1 vs. Colorado Rapids 2

Highlights

We all got excited with new signings to surround Dillon Powers. We all got disappointed when the Rapids offense continued to sputter. We all then got excited when Kevin Doyle scored his first MLS goal this weekend agains the Whitecaps. The Whitecaps offense appeared to be rebounding in recent weeks, but failed to continue the trend this week. Manneh parlayed his performance into consistency that he hasn’t seen in awhile, but that was the only positive aspect for the Whitecaps. Whitecaps need to utilize Manneh a bit more, which could help his fantasy cause, while the Rapids have more to look forward to. If the Rapids can find consistency they may be able to make a run back into playoff contention and into the minds of fantasy owners.

Fantasy Standouts

• Kekuta Manneh ($7.3): If Manneh can take the scoring burden off of Rivero, he will become one of the fantasy bargains of the year. We all know about his blistering pace and youth, so the second half of this year could just see a breakout performance from Manneh.
• Vicente Sanchez ($6.9): He took all 7 corner kicks and will probably take PKs. At $6.9 he’s a bargain, especially if he continues the production he did this weekend or even half of it. The chemistry is finally coming together and Sanchez could be an integral part of it.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Octavio Rivero ($9.2): Rivero came off the bench this week after having found a bit of consistency, but Manneh performed in his place. The emergence of his performance could hurt Rivero’s value and reputation he gained in the first half of the season. This all depends on the direction the Vancouver offense goes from here.
• Dillon Powers ($7.8): I originally had high hopes for this guy, especially with all the new editions he got in the offense, but now he’s being relegated to the bench. The fact that they were able to score the way they did without him hurts even more.

Real Salt Lake 1 vs. Orlando City SC 1

Highlights

The Fourth of July had it all for Kaka. He found the net again, but also received his first MLS red card. He’s really becoming the star player that Orlando wants him to be, but his red card was unfortunate as they began to find offensive momentum. Orlando is also missing Larin, Shea and Molino from early on that the offense can’t well afford to continue to miss this many offensive weapons. RSL got their only goal before the Kaka red card, through DP Jaime whose finally paying off for the club. Despite the improved performance of Jaime, Javier Morales couldn’t leave an imprint on the game after coming back from a red card, but if RSL can utilize him better the offense could become rather potent. These two teams still have a long way to go in utilizing their players, which will potentially continue to have adverse effects on the fantasy studs and duds of each team.

Fantasy Standouts

• Seb Hines ($7.7): He’s a bit on the more expensive side, but he’s emerged as a defensive rock bed for the Lions as is evidenced by his being named to the MLS team of the week. My only worry is the amount of shots that Orlando let off, but he seems to have offensive potential, even earning an attacking bonus this week.
• Kaka ($11.7): He scored again and remains the only reliable offensive producer in the starting XI at the moment. He’s expensive, but if Orlando can carry the momentum into the next game and hang on until Kaka gets back he should be of value, especially with all the PKs Orlando draws.
• Sebastian Jaime ($8.0): 2 goals in 2 weeks, one of which was without playmaker Morales. With Morales back and creating chances abound for his team, Jaime looks to be the first to profit and could be a good differential with only 0.5% ownership.
• Javier Morales ($11.4): Anytime you see 4 attacking bps you get excited. If you add a defensive bp you get even more excited. The only thing missing is people getting on the end of these, which will come in due time. The attack really seems to be rounding out even with the inability of guys like Luis Gil to reach their potential.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Kaka ($11.7): Yes I put him twice, because, as the start player, you can’t do that to your team. We saw Espindola get one this weekend for a seemingly less harmful offense, while Kaka’s really did look avoidable. Either way he’ll be out next game and this could affect the momentum he was carrying in this match.

Los Angeles Galaxy vs. Toronto FC 0

Highlights

Robbie Keane, Robbie Keane, Robbie Keane. That’s how many times he scored against Toronto FC. The Toronto FC defense is no slouch either. Zavaleta has proven a formidable foe in the defense and Toronto have managed to turn around their season, however, the absence of Altidore and more significantly Bradley appears to be something that will take time to cope with. They weren’t completely outplayed, managing as many shots, but just unable to put them on target. Meanwhile, LA didn’t miss a beat with absences to Gonzalez and Zardes and in fact I would argue Zardes is going to have a tough time coming back expecting to start. Lletget has more than solidified his position in the starting XI and the arrival of Gerrard makes the midfield even more crowded. While the star power worked out for LA, Giovinco couldn’t do it all himself, despite putting up a good effort. This Galaxy team looks really really good and has me really really excited. That’s come from a Sounders fan.

Fantasy Standouts

• Robbie Keane ($11.4): Well he scored a hat trick and the arrival of Gerrard can only mean good things for Keane’s fantasy performance.
• Sebastian Lletget ($6.5): This guy is the definition of a career revival. He appeared to be falling off the face of US soccer and managed a last minute move from the West Ham dungeons to LA. Now entrenched in the starting lineup with solid performance after solid performance, you can’t help but root for the guy.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Sebastian Giovinco ($12.3): Well he didn’t exactly woo anybody with his performance, but then again the offense is dealing with the absences of Bradley and Altidore. This should mean the scoring onus will fall more on Giovinco, but that could also result in a lot less scoring. No need to jump ship on Giovinco just yet, but if he gives one more poor performance than he’s off my team, until reinforcements arrive for Toronto.
• Stefan Ishizaki: You know why… If you don’t and you’re reading this as an Ishizaki owner then go google his name, because he’s no longer a player in MLS and has cause value shift in the LA Galaxy midfield

San Jose Earthquakes 0 vs. Portland Timbers 1

Highlights

After a convincing performance last week the Timbers offense continued to pour it on. They out possessed and massively out shot the Earthquakes, but lacked in finishing. Most of the attack came through Valeri, but the unlikely goal scorer Jewsbury also managed 4 shots on goal. The Earthquakes don’t have the offensive fire power they need and that is a must fix if they want to challenge for the cup or even a playoff spot. The Timbers absolutely have the firepower they just need to dedicate all of their practice to finishing to increase their conversion percentage, because at the rate they’re going it won’t last forever.

Fantasy Standouts

• Jack Jewsbury ($6.1): He’s listed as a defender, but was very much a part of the attack this weekend. A clean sheet and a goal left Jewsbury with a great fantasy turnout. The main question is whether or not he continues to start, but I have a feeling that’s not such a big question after the game he had.
• Diego Valeri ($10.2): Valeri has the most shots and delivered dangerous service on the night. He is unquestionably the heart of the attack, but everyone seriously needs to work on finishing.

Fantasy Letdowns

•  San Jose Earthquakes: The defense was ok, but still let up 22 shots and the offense was pitiful only putting 2 shots on goal. There’s no one to be excited about on the team except for Tommy Thompson whose riding the bench. Honestly with Wondo out, Thompson needs to be getting an extended look so the fans can at least see some exciting soccer if they’re going to lose.

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.