MLS Fantasy Review Round 19 (Part 2)

Chicago Fire 1 vs. Seattle Sounders 0

Highlights

The Seattle Sounders continued to struggle offensively with offensive weapons, Dempsey and Martins, missing as well as center back Brad Evans. The Fire looked more convincing than they have in recent weeks with the likes of Accam and Maloney missing, but still only managed one goal very late in the game through super sub Jason Johnson. The good news is the 3 points were badly needed and Mike Magee looked dangerous. The only real bright spot for the Sounders was that Roldan looked very good in the No. 10 role and if I had my way he would stay there. Outside of that the two teams left a lot to be desired fantasy wise and didn’t provide much by way of what to expect when the Fire face the Crew in the upcoming DGW.

Fantasy Standouts

• Cristian Roldan ($5.0): Roldan only put up 5 points, but considering this was one of the first times he got to go from the start in his favored position, I have high hopes for him with Dempsey and Oba remaining out. It’s clearly his best position and he showed it this weekend getting involved in the attack.
• Harry Shipp ($8.1): With Maloney’s continued absence, a lot of the attack came through Shipp. He took corners and provided a playmaking role from the wing. It remains to be seen if he can go further with this role in the DGW, but if there’s anyone to bet on it would be Shipp.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Lamar Neagle ($8.7): Neagle has never become a great player because he hasn’t been able to take advantage of the absence of star players. He was given the opportunity to provide when Dempsey and Martins were gone, but then got pushed out wide with the return of Barrett and still failed to do anything from outwide. It’s unfortunately led me to believe he can only thrive when the attention is far away from him.
• Sounders Defense: It’s clear that it’s hard to keep a clean sheet when you’re getting less help from the offense. The defense didn’t play poorly and the error was really on Pineda for hitting such a poor ball into the box and allowing the break, but regardless the defense is less of a sure bet with the pieces that are currently missing

Real Salt Lake 1 vs. Colorado Rapids 3

Highlights

The Rapids came into this game with momentum and a need to push for a win against a RSL side missing key players like Beckerman and Rimando. The Rapids did just that going into the half with 66% possession and a 7-3 lead in shots. Vicente Sanchez continued to provide the playmaking spark for the Rapids, with his teammates unable to finish the magic he was working. Despite his superb play it would be his sub Eloundou that would be the difference maker. After Jaime pulled RSL ahead against the run of play Eloundou found Moor on the corner to equal and Eloundou would then go on to assist on the safety goal in the 97th minute. The Rapids looked to be falling out of contention for a playoff spot a couple weeks ago, but are making a case to be included in the race, while RSL struggle to find answers.

Fantasy Standouts

• Vicente Sanchez ($6.9): Vicente Sanchez continues to provide the offensive spark for the Rapids a second week in a row. He didn’t get on the score sheet, but not for lack of trying, with 3 attacking bonus points. The Rapids look good and if they stay this way, expect Sanchez’s stock to rise.
• Javier Morales ($11.5): Morales was the only bright spot in the RSL performance. In a game that saw RSL with only 5 shots, 3 on target, Morales was responsible for assisting on the one goal and practically every other chance. He had 2 defensive bps and 1 offensive rounding out an 8 point performance.
• Drew Moor ($6.9): Moor used to be a stalwart for many fantasy defenses, but has fallen out of favor due to injury problems early on and then the Rapids struggling offense. That seems to be a thing of the past now and Moor seems to be good for set piece goals, as well as bonus points.

Fantasy Letdowns

• RSL defense/Everyone but Morales: I don’t know if I had all that high of expectations for RSL going into this one, apart from the fact that no one was sure if the Rapids would choke or not. Regardless, RSL couldn’t do much without the likes of Beckerman and Saborio. Morales tried as hard as he could to carry the team, but was missing finishing from his own team and a lack of possession.

New York City FC 4 vs. Toronto FC 4

Highlights

It was all these two in an absolute thriller that saw 4 PKs awarded and 2 missed, 1 by each of the superstars. Giovinco would be the one to outperform Villa, with a hat trick and assist, but Villa would convert his second PK and score an absolute beautiful free kick. The offense was an absolute joy to watch in a game where the score should’ve been more like 6-7. The defense for both sides didn’t look so hot, but 18 year old Man City prospect, Angelino, came on for NYCFC at the half and looked very good on the ball. Apart from that neither side had many positives for defense, with Perquis going off with an injury for Toronto in the second half. I’ll be making sure I don’t miss either of these play a game ever again and that’s all I have to say on that.

Fantasy Standouts

• Sebastian Giovinco ($12.5): There’s a reason he’s this expensive. That tends to happen when you score 20 points off a hat trick and an assist. We were worried he couldn’t do it without Bradley or Altidore, but boy were we wrong.
• David Villa ($11.1): a brace and loads of offensive attacking potential. David Villa is here boys and girls and I can’t get enough.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Defense: The offense was so much fun to watch, but the defense was rather horrible. The 4 PKs were essentially a result of 4 poor decisions on either team and a game that was incredibly open despite being played on the narrowest field in MLS.

Sporting Kansas City 1 vs. Vancouver Whitecaps 0

Highlights

This game played out pretty even with both sides managing 13 shots and the Whitecaps having the edge on possession. Regardless, the game was even and saw some great saves to keep both sides in the game until Kevin Ellis broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute off a Nemeth assist. Sporting Kansas City were able to keep the lead despite starting two rookie fullbacks, Dia and Abdul-Salaam. The Whitecaps can’t be too upset with their performance consider the 2 goal line clearances by SKC and a fantastic save by Ousted to deny Parker a goal. I wouldn’t expect this Whitecaps team to go scoreless again.

Fantasy Standouts

• Kevin Ellis ($6.5): This is Ellis’ second game in a row with a solid performance. If SKC continues this run of form and Ellis continues to be a threat in the air he is definitely a viable option in defense.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Benny Feilhaber ($10.2): Benny has been the model of consistency this year and amidst calls for him to be in the national team, he put up a performance to forget. Owned by 27.2% of fantasy this isn’t a guy you need to have on your team. Yes he will be consistent, but for his price it may be time to drop him and stray from the pack especially if you need to make up ground.

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.