MLS Fantasy Review Round 19 (Part 1)

Houston Dynamo 2 vs. San Jose Earthquakes 0

Highlights

The two sides both saw their recent streaks come to an end as the Dynamo ended their losing streak and the Earthquakes losing for their first time in 6 home matches. The Earthquakes weren’t terribly outplayed managing 54% possession and as many shots as the Dynamo, however, the difference came in the ability of the attackers to direct those shots on target. The Earthquakes only managed 3 on target to the Dynamo’s 8, which would be the difference. It was Amarikwa’s first game back with the Earthquakes, so it remains to be seen the impact he’ll be able to have, but he looks to be a much needed asset in the final third for the Earthquakes once he settles in.

Fantasy Standouts

• Ricardo Clark ($7.0): Clark was at the middle of the offense against San Jose and showed it with his 5 shots on target. He was all over the field earning a defensive bonus point as well and seems to be as involved as Brad Davis, if not more, for a much more affordable price. The question is whether Houston can keep up the momentum.
• Will Bruin ($8.3): He hasn’t been doing well as of late, but neither was the rest of the team. Bruin very much depends on service, which seems to be more available right now with the confidence the Dynamo have gained after this game. With Giles Barnes away on national team duty, the scoring onus should fall on him and we’ll see if he can continue the trend.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Quincy Amarikwa ($6.8): A lot of people were excited about the potential Amarikwa could bring to a San Jose side that seemed to be lacking the finished product, but if it were to be it wasn’t this weekend. Amarikwa didn’t manage much on goal, but the potential is definitely there for Amarikwa to be a fantastic budget option if the MPG hits his stride again.

New England Revolution 1 vs. New York Red Bulls 4

Highlights

No one knows what in the world is happening to the New England Revolution, but something needs to change. The absence of Jones to his injury is no excuse for the way the Revs have been playing. They have a wealth of young attacking talent and two quality center backs. Maybe the Red Bulls are just that good, but I don’t think that’s the case (don’t get me wrong they’re good). BWP had a brace and the Red Bulls were up really early. Give credit to the Revs for pulling it together and trying to claw their way back, but it was too little too late. Jay Heaps needs to trade some of his attacking talent, so they don’t waste away on the Revs bench, which could create some interesting fantasy options depending on what teams they end up at.

Fantasy Standouts

• Bradley Wright-Phillips ($11.4): 2 goals and an assist says it all on a New York Red Bulls team that dominated the Revs. The Red Bulls are no joke and neither is BWP, especially if they keep this form up.
• Lloyd Sam ($9.4): Sam was active throughout with not just a goal and an assist, but consistent danger throughout the game.
• Matt Miazga ($5.7): Miazga’s quality is undeniable, which is why you’ve been hearing of trade rumors from England. The only question mark for him is if he will be in New York for much longer, otherwise he’s a no brainer. Averaging a little over 6 points in his last 3 games, makes it an easy decision at his price.

Fantasy Letdowns

• New England Revolution: Something needs to change and it’s on Jay Heaps to figure it out. It’s clear they have enough attacking talent, I would argue too much, so it’s either in the formation, the personnel, or something that’s going on inside the team. Either way, Jay Heaps better fix it, because I like watching the Revs talent play too much to let them get embarrassed like this.

New York Red Bulls 1 vs. Columbus Crew 2

Highlights

The Timbers winning streak was too good to be true according to Maidana, who assisted on all 3 of the Union’s goals this weekend. The two teams split possession, but the Union enjoyed the lion’s share of the chances. Sapong and Le Toux blew chances early on, but Wenger and Nogueira brace bailed them out with a hand from Maidana. If there were any question of Maidana’s value prior to this week, people can no longer deny it.

Fantasy Standouts

• Cristian Maidana ($9.2): Well 3 assists and some nice attacking bonuses are nothing to scoff at. He’s also averaging 7 points a game over his last 9 games. That’s consistency if I’ve seen it. I’ll take my chances with Maidana over Feilhaber right now.
• Vincent Nogueira ($8.3): The guy had a brace and was very active in the attack, so I can’t possible leave him off this list. Especially if the Union are to continue this form
• Philadelphia Budget Options: Sylvestre and Marquez are both priced at $4.5 and could be great options going forward if the Union continue this fine form.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Portland Timbers: There really wasn’t anything to take away as positive from this performance. The Timbers were on a roll and should’ve had the momentum to come in and bust Philly up, however, it ended up being quite the opposite. The Timbers defense couldn’t handle Philly and should’ve conceded more, but got lucky, while the offense could barely create quality chances.

FC Dallas 2  vs. Orlando City SC 0

Highlights

Some may beg to differ, but FC Dallas don’t need the likes of Akindele right now and certainly not Blas Perez, the guy just runs around the field and sulks. Fabian Castillo and Mauro Diaz took control of this game and led Dallas to victory. Castillo was too quick for Orlando, earning a penalty, and Diaz put it away, continuing his strong recent run of form. Orlando, however, badly misses attacking options Cyle Larin and Kaka, as well as a remotely healthy bench. The loss to FC Dallas is overshadowed by yet another injury to defender St Ledger on a team that is riddled with injuries. FC Dallas walks away happy, while Orlando has to be wondering how they’re so unlucky.

Fantasy Standouts

• Fabian Castillo ($10.6): He earned a penalty and got credited with a second assist on the second goal. His threat is clear throughout a game and no matter how hard the opponents try there’s nothing they can do about his speed and quick feet. Castillo has been finding consistency as of late and is always a threat to blow up in a game.
• Mauro Diaz ($9.9): Diaz was supposed to be the cornerstone of the FC Dallas offense, but struggled with form and injuries. He’s not struggling anymore and his confidence is high as ever as can be see with amount of Umph that was in his PK.
• FC Dallas Defense: Anybody on the FC Dallas defense is ok to pick up. They’ve had 3 shutouts in a row and don’t seem to be slowing up with their schedule ahead. Hedges provides more bonus points and goal scoring threat, while Acosta is a defender playing in the midfield right now for a relatively cheap price. Dan Kennedy’s average has been solid as well and priced at only $4.9.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Orlando City SC: I wouldn’t call them as much of a letdown, because at this point  I hope no one actually has any high expectations that could be let down. The team is much easier to pity than to root for with the numerous injuries and recently sub par performances. There’s no doubt that this time has some strong attacking qualities, but for the time being there’s nothing drawing me to this team.

Montreal Impact 3 vs. Columbus Crew 0

Highlights

I don’t even know if the Columbus Crew were at this game. Well I mean apart from the fact that they controlled the majority of possession and had more shots than the Montreal Impact. I guess the next thing I’m curious about is if they forgot they’re supposed to get the ball in the net. With the likes of Kamara and Finlay on everybody’s transfer in list for the upcoming DGW, there were many many sorely disappointed fantasy owners. The Impact didn’t help anybody out either with Dominic Oduro being the main benefactor and Piatti only managing an assist. Regardless of the outcome, it’s safe to say that this could just be a fluke for the Crew considering the chances they created. That’s not to take anything away from the Impact, who may very well have found a way to make use of Oduro.

Fantasy Standouts

• Dominic Oduro ($7.1): Instead of alternating McInerney and Oduro, it seems Oduro’s fit is best on the wing where he was able to get busy this weekend. It’s definitely a big risk picking up Oduro, but he’s cheap and definitely has the potential to wreak havoc with his speed.
• Ignacio Piatti ($10.1): His last 3 games have seen him score 7, 8 and 8. If he’s not scoring he’s assisting and if he’s not assisting he’s scoring. Piatti is the heart of the Impact attack and this weekend the attack looked strong as well as the defense.
• Laurent Ciman ($7.7): Ciman was coming under scrutiny from fantasy owners for a string of relatively poor performances, but those also coincided with poor offensive performances, which makes me believe if the Impact can continue their offensive form, then Ciman will thrive and the likes of Toia or Oyongo, might not be a bad look as well if in need of a cheap defender.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Columbus Crew: The entire Crew team is in this category, not because they should be dropped, but because I had Clark, Finlay and Kamara and they definitely let me down. However, Andrew Wiebe captained Finlay while playing me and that’s the only reason I won, soooooo I guess I’m not that upset. In all reality though, don’t read too much into this performance because these guys are too valuable to pass up on for the upcoming DGW.

That’s the breakdown for the first half of Round 19. 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 (@tbartels12) or Reid (@mlsfantasyboss) 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.