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New York City 2 vs. Columbus Crew 2
Highlights
Fantasy Captains were tough to pick this round, but 2 of the best options were in this game. Kei Kamara and David Villa were two front runners, but for NYCFC it was Kwadwo Poku who was the standout with a brace. With the score 2-2 some fans would’ve preferred more star power from the likes of Finlay, Kamara and Villa, but some of us who snagged Poku were just fine with how it worked out. There was still one game left to play after this game so look for the review of the weekend games.
Fantasy Standouts/Fantasy Letdowns
- Kwadwo Poku was the obvious standout with a brace. It was also clear that the attack with dependent upon Poku being in the lineup. As far as the Crew are concerned the likes of Finlay and Kamara both proved their worth in a game that ended up even at 2-2.
San Jose Earthquakes 5 vs. Sporting Kansas City 0
Highlights
It wasn’t just Wondo who led the way for SJ. However, there was definitely only Earthquakes’ players present for this game as San Jose absolutely dominated SKC. SJ outshot, out-possessed and out-hustled SKC. What was even worse for the already unsuspecting fantasy owners was Benny Feilhaber’s second yellow. One thing that should be taken from this game is a newfound respect for the Earthquakes. SKC is no slouch on offense or defense so give SJ a second chance in your fantasy lineups.
Fantasy Standouts/Fantasy Letdowns
- David Bingham was big, Amarikwa did well and insert any other SJ player because they all did well. Insert any SKC player and they all played poor. Pretty simple.
Portland Timbers 2 vs. Houston Dynamo 2
Highlights
A tale of two halves with the Dynamo going ahead early and the Timbers pouring it on late. While the Dynamo enjoyed the better play early on the Timbers were more dangerous throughout. Bombarding the box with crosses and putting more shots on target. In addition the Timbers best player, Nagbe, finally got on the score sheet and looks to be heating up. It will be interesting to see where these two teams go from here.
Fantasy Standouts
- Lucas Melano ($9.0): Melano was on it this game, assisting on Nagbe’s goal and scoring one for himself late to tie it up. An underrated signing that appears to be rounding into form. He’s worth a look for a differential, although there are far too many in form strikers right now to necessarily justify picking him up.
- Will Bruin ($8.1): There’s a Houston Dynamo DGW coming up. This means you should be considering the striker that’s been hot and cold for the Dynamo all year. He scored and assisted this weekend, which should spell good news as far as his form is concerned.
Fantasy Letdowns
- Timbers’ Defense: The defense had proven to be a good pick for fantasy, however they let up early against one of the less ruthless offenses in MLS. With the Timbers playing a hungry and desperate Sounders team, it would be a good idea to steer clear of the Timbers’ D.
Orlando City SC 0 vs. Toronto FC 0
Highlights
That’s the face fantasy owners make when Jozy Altidore takes a PK over Giovinco. It’s also the face I make when I’m stoked that Altidore took a PK over Giovinco, because I neglected to pick him back up. Anyways this Toronto FC team absolutely punished a 10 man Orlando City team. It’s easy to blame it on having 10 men, but when you have 10 men this often it can’t be an excuse. Also let’s not forget two credit Giovinco’s absurd FK and Altidore’s confidence boosting brace. This puts Toronto in a good run of form and also turns Orlando into what should now be a very very desperate team.
Fantasy Standouts
- Seba Giovinco ($13.1): Aaaaaaand now he’s out of my price range. My goodness, the first one to hit $13 mill. That should say enough about his value to your team.
- Jozy Altidore ($9.7): I mean the guy got a brace, can’t ask for much more. Also, he may get left off the upcoming friendly roster for the USMNT, which would make Toronto even more appealing for fantasy owners.
Fantasy Letdowns
- Orlando City get it together.
DC United 0 vs. San Jose 2
Highlights
Ya Boswell I’m wondering what happened too. It’s only the second loss in a row, but 1 turns into 2, 2 to 3 and so on. Ask the Sounders. DC doesn’t have the advantage of games in hand and really don’t look that inspiring. Despite absolutely dominating SJ in possession, shots, etc. they lost and SJ converted the only 2 shots on goal they took. DC may felt they were hard done by, but they need to get it together, especially with a very in form Red Bulls team up next.
Fantasy Standouts
- Chris Wondolowski ($11.1): He scored 2 midweek and 1 this weekend. I didn’t want to put him on here, but 3 goals warrants it. That being said pick him up at your own risk.
- Quincy Amarikwa ($7.0): Quincy will be the more consistent striker on this team, earning a penalty and assisting in both games. He should score a few more goals too. Oh and he’s $4 mill less so that helps.
- David Bingham ($5.7): Believe it or not Bingham and his defense are looking very good and may just be the team to bank on right now. They’re making a late season push for the playoffs and it’s very apparent they want it bad. This is just one performance on the end of a string of strong performances for Bingham.
Fantasy Letdowns
- DC United: Despite having 23 shots DC only put 4 on goal. If you’re taking that many you need to be putting more on goal and forcing the other team to make mistakes. You also have to not make mistakes. SJ may feel it’s unfair to be only in the letdown section, but it’s safe to say anyone who had DC players this week felt letdown.
Columbus Crew 3 vs. Sporting Kansas City 2
Highlights
Just like Kamara did in this picture, the Crew rose above SKC. They conceded first and left it late after a back and forth with SKC, but it was ultimately Jack McInerney in the 88th minute with the go ahead goal. It shouldn’t have needed to come to that as the Crew controlled 70% of possession and kept SKC to only 2 shots on goal. SKC may not have had Feilhaber, but it was an overall poor performance despite the 2 goals scored.
Fantasy Standouts
- Ethan Finlay and Kei Kamara: These two are the easy ones here. Finlay with a goal and Kamara with the assist. In addition they both had good midweek games. It’s safe to say if there’s a Crew goal they’re almost certainly going to be involved in it. Not to mention they’re cheaper than most of the other options and perform better.
Fantasy Letdowns
- SKC Defense: The defense is just not there. Benny may not have been there to help with the midfield, but they collapsed late and let the Crew come back to win. I wouldn’t bet on a clean sheet from them soon, and the outside backs are too unpredictable as far as budget options go.
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.
