MLS Fantasy Round 13 Review (Part 1)

Seattle Sounders 1 vs. Colorado Rapids 0

Highlights

Sounders passed Colorado off the field in this one. Even though they didn’t create many chances, it didn’t matter because they didn’t need the chances if they could control the game as well as they did and to be fair they probably could’ve had a few more. I will say the Rapids’ defense was caught off guard by Sjoberg’s late scratch to the game day roster, however that’s still no excuse for the 70-30 possession stat. We’ll attribute it for the time being to Seattle’s dominance and the Rapids’ lack of chemistry.

Fantasy Standouts/Letdowns

• Marco Pappa was on fire in this game, and if Dempsey continues to drop back into the midfield as much as he did , Pappa will continue to have fantasy value even with his usual early substitution habit. The Rapids need to develop their chemistry with the new attacking pieces and once they do that this could be a very dangerous side. Oh and let’s not forget about Stefan Frei and the defense getting another shutout.

Los Angeles Galaxy 1 vs. Real Salt Lake 0

Highlights

This game was actually a bit of a snoozer. Lots of fouls, lots of almost dangerous crosses and LA and RSL put a combined total of 4 shots on target. Javier Morales and Robbie Keane both started on the bench, but made very early substitution appearances, because of the slow pace to the game. Past LA’s early penalty conversion by Juninho, they couldn’t get much going and with or without Javier Morales RSL was pretty helpless. It was all topped off by the late red to Olave, who was probably the only fantasy defender on RSL that players owned, unfortunately.

Fantasy Standouts/Letdowns

• The fact that Keane and Jorales both made substitute appearances is promising for their fantasy value, however, with their DGWs up it’s worth waiting till after the WC to add these guys if you’re thinking about it. Another good appearance was Jose Villarreal who had a fantastic start to the season, before an unfortunate injury that set him back.

Portland Timbers 1 vs. DC United 0

Highlights

With DC United’s more makeshift lineup they weren’t able to do anything with there half of possession, only directing 2 of their 11 shots on target. Will Johnson’s return to the lineup for the Timbers saw Timbers able to produce 9 of 15 shots on target even with their lead man Adi on the bench as well as a couple other key players. Will Johnson’s return can only mean good things for the Timbers who could see themselves making a climb up the table in a packed Western Conference.

Fantasy Standouts/Letdowns

• Urruti made the most of his start scoring the only goal for the Timbers, however the story wasn’t the Timbers offense this game, it was their defense. The defense held strong throughout the game and their backs Powell and Villafana did well to get into the attack throughout the game.

Sporting Kansas City 4 vs. FC Dallas 0

Highlights

These guys. SKC was absolutely dominant. Feilhaber didn’t need to be the sole provider in this game as Zusi found some of his old form that earned him USMNT call-ups and Nemeth proved why he may be one of the best newcomers to MLS this year. The red card Lloyd in the 43rd minute didn’t do FC Dallas any favors, however with all the attacking options they have, to only produce 5 shots, only 1 of which was on goal, was pathetic. The amount of talent on FC Dallas’ roster means there’s no way they continue to play like this, but who knows how long it’ll continue. In the meantime take a good look at Sporting Kansas City, because they just put on a show.

Fantasy Standouts

• Krisztian Nemeth ($8.5): This guys is owned by 2.5% of fantasy owners and looks to be clicking when Dwyers not. Unless Dwyer comes back and steals away offensive production from Nemeth, he deserves a strong look for fantasy owners. Take a look using your free WC next round.
• Graham Zusi ($10.8): He put up 17 points and it wasn’t all from a goal or assist he got attacking and defense BPs so I’d say he’s definitely worth a look if he succeeds in stealing the show from Feilhaber.
• Benny Feilhaber ($10.0): He’s just continuing to do what he does best, make his owners happy.

Fantasy Letdowns

• All of FC Dallas….

Toronto FC 3 vs. San Jose Earthquakes 1

Highlights

With Altidore out of the picture now, the onus is squarely on Giovinco’s shoulders to produce in the offense, and he’s doing a pretty damn good job. Even though he didn’t score, he put his mark on the game with assists on 2 of the 3 goals and with his link up play throughout the game. San Jose actually controlled the majority of possession and had more total shots, but were only able to turn that into 2 shots on target. They could’ve used someone like MPG or the injured Innocent. With the only goal coming through a Wondo PK the offensive future doesn’t look bright, and the sky is the limit for the Toronto side.

Fantasy Standouts

• Sebastian Giovinco ($11.9): Giovinco’s price tag is approaching absurd and unreasonable, however, he seems comfortable with the pressure that has been put on him and Toronto is looking good.
• Eriq Zavaleta ($5.5): He’s started the last 2 games getting 6 and 5 points each. This last game he grabbed 3 BPs. If he continues to be in favor over Hagglund, he would be a great budget option for your defense.
• Chris Wondolowski ($11.2): Even though it was another PK Wondo keeps proving he’s the most important person on the Quakes’ offense. In addition he had 4 shots, which means his attacking prowess hasn’t disappeared, however, SJ needs to do something to change their attack around, and until then Wondo remains a risky bet.

Fantasy Letdowns

• SJ Offense: MPG was on the bench and the front 3 forwards doesn’t seem to have enough quality to put away the chances they’re getting. There are far better offenses rounding into form to look at in the meantime. If you really want to work a guy in from here wait till next weeks performances and then consider it in your free WC coming up.

Vancouver Whitecaps 2 vs. Real Salt Lake 1

Highlights

Javier Morales return to the lineup was good news for RSL as he lead the attack to some offensive power, which was sorely missed in his absence, however, it wasn’t good enough. RSL put up a better performance than their midweek one, but the Whitecaps doubled their offensive production. Splitting the possession even, RSL totaled 12 shots, 4 on goal, Vancouver totaled, 20 shots, 8 on goal. This isn’t all good news for the Whitecaps. Octavio Rivero and Pedro Morales has the lion’s share of those chances, but the goals came through Techera and Koffie and without any involvement from either Porales or Rivero. If they’re going to beat teams that are better and aren’t missing their strongest defender these guys need to step up.

Fantasy Standouts

• Christian Techera ($7.1): It may be too early to tell, but Techera looks like he’s becoming an integral part of the attack. He carved out 3 chances for himself, 2 of which he put on goal, and he delivered 4 corner kicks. If he’s going to continue to replicate this value, then he’s a steal at $7.1.
• Javier Morales ($11.2): Morales came into this game and got at it on both sides of the ball, which culminated in his gorgeous free kick. If the attack is going to happen it’s coming through Morales. This guy could definitely be a good edition to any team and a differential with a relatively low ownership of 4.6%

Fantasy Letdowns

• Octavio Rivero ($9.0): Rivero is owned by almost 30% of fantasy owners. I know that some of those are inactives, but that’s still too much. He’s put up 2s and 3s the past 3 rounds and isn’t converting chances. He’s hit a rough patch and until he can get out of it and rebuild his confidence, he’s not worth it.
• Pedro Morales ($11.4): For his price tag Morales is not worth it one bit. He’s score 4, 1, 4 in his past 3 games and can’t seem to get his attack moving. Maybe it’s because other players are stepping up and taken the load off his shoulders. If that’s the case than that’s a problem.
• Vancouver Defense: Waston, Kah, Beitashour they’re all underperforming. Caps are unable to keep a clean sheet and there haven’t been any BPs going around. In the past 3 rounds every single one of these guys has score under 5 points.

New York City FC 1 vs. Houston Dynamo 1

Highlights

The game was even in possession and chances with NYCFC pouring it on heavy early on, despite the early goal by the Dynamo, and the Dynamo picking it up after the half. David Villa’s PK was the only goal for NYC despite a host of chances and the Dynamo had their fair share of looks too through Barnes and Bruin up top.

Fantasy Standouts

• Will Bruin ($8.2): Bruin had more opportunities outside the goal and what was even better is the fact that his team was looking for him. Barnes and Bruin looked good together up top and if they can just convert a few more of those Bruin could become a great option up top for your fantasy team.
• David Villa ($10.4): What gets Villa on the standout list isn’t his PK, but just how on the ball he was throughout the game. He had 7 shots, 4 on goal, and took all 5 corners. At $10.4 his price is low given his ceiling.

Fantasy Letdowns

•  Giles Barnes ($9.2): The problem with the emergence of Bruin is it takes the weight off of Barnes shoulders and subsequently requires him to score less. The effects of this have been felt and I can’t tell yet if Bruin and Barnes can coexist fantasy wise or if one will take too much away from the other. But for now, scores of 1 and 3 in the last 2 games don’t get it done for me.

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.