MLS Fantasy Round 17 Review (Part 3)

Real Salt Lake 2 vs. Columbus Crew 2

Highlights

RSL came into this game missing playmaker Javier Morales, while the Crew fielded a strong lineup after a midweek victory. This game saw assist man Finlay get on the score sheet and a back and forth between the two sides that resulted in a very lively game. RSL will feel hard done by the late red card to young prospect Jordan Allen and so will those who left him on their bench in hopes of him returning to a profitable role after coming back from the U20 World Cup. RSL managed to produce some offense amidst the absence of Morales through the likes of Garcia and Jaime.

Fantasy Standouts

• Ethan Finlay ($8.3): Finlay is in fine form and 16% of fantasy owners have taken noticed. I mentioned in the midweek game that this man needs some love from a national team and even more love from every other fantasy owner who doesn’t have him. An assist in the last 2 games and a goal in the weekend game.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Real Salt Lake: The defense can’t lock it down and the offense can’t find fantasy consistency. Jaime and Garcia are two guys who would look good to pick up, but the RSL offense hasn’t been superb and Morales likes to steal the show or even Saborio. With Saborio off to the Gold Cup one of these guys could be looking to make an impact so keep an eye out.

Los Angeles Galaxy 1 vs. San Jose Earthquakes 3

Highlights

The LA Galaxy controlled the game early on and went up 1-0 with a wonder strike from Juninho, but couldn’t produce much else equalling the Quakes 10 shots over the course of the game despite more possession. Part of that may have been because of the increased play of MPG, who had a superb game and assisted on 2 of the Quakes 3 goals. The only thing I can say to the Galaxy is Villarreal needs to be in the starting lineup because he makes the attack better and he probably will with the departure of Zardes.

Fantasy Standouts

• Matias Perez Garcia ($8.6): MPG had an absolute game this weekend assisting on both goals for the Quakes. Coming off his great game last week and only owned by 1% of owners he deserves a look.
• Sebastian Lletget ($6.3): A very similar pick to Villarreal, but he’s definitely proven his worth and earned starts through pure determination. With Zardes leaving on int’l duty Lletget is a very fair pick up for those of you looking for budget options.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Robbie Keane ($11.2): It’s amazing that Keane is still at such a low price, and it’s in part due to injuries and absences, but his performance hasn’t resulted in as many goals as owners would hope and didn’t result in one this weekend.

New York Red Bulls 3 vs. New York City FC 1

Highlights

The Derby’s were real this weekend and this was probably one of the highlights. The New York Red Bulls passion was there and you could tell they weren’t going to let the losing slide they had been experiencing allow NYCFC to take the city from them. Off to a worrying start with NcNamara put NYCFC up early, 2 of the next 3 goals would come for Red Bulls defenders and the other for ace BWP. The final result was more worry for NYCFC as their main man was kept off the score sheet and Wingert left early to leave the defense vulnerable.

Fantasy Standouts

• Matt Miazga ($5.6): Back from the U20 World Cup and providing a much needed boost to the defense, he also provided a boost to the offense. Without the shutout Miazga still put up good bonus points and had a goal to boot. At his price and with Red Bulls current form Miazga is a must have.

Fantasy Letdowns

• David Villa ($10.7): With his recent run of form many decided to hang on to him, but his form stopped this weekend. Not quiet, but unable to finish his chances, Villa didn’t warrant the chance. NYCFC will look to bounce back, but how well they will do that is up for debate.

Portland Timbers 4  vs. Seattle Sounders 1

Highlights

This is an accurate description of the weekend. The Timbers ran wild on the Sounders (who were missing all 3 DPs). That’s not an excuse for the defense only the offense. The Sounders supposedly No. 1 defense was trampled by a finally vicious Nagbe and Adi brace. The Timbers looked the kind of exciting people had been waiting for all season, while the Sounders youth has yet to pan out into results in the stead of the money makers.

Fantasy Standouts

• Darlington Nagbe ($8.5): If Nagbe is about to get hot then this price is a steal. We’ve all been caught watering at the mouth because of Nagbe’s skills, but have been left waiting for the final product. This weekend he unleash a rocket from the top of the box and was dangerous throughout the game.
• Fanendo Adi ($9.7): Adi was sick of getting benched and showed his coach why he should never be benched again. Don’t expect this to be a one and done, Adi wants to stay on the field.

Fantasy Letdowns

• Sounders Defense: Well so much for No. 1. Yes it can be argued that a less than strong attack for the Sounders left the defense open a bit, but the Sounders didn’t look horrible the whole game and really just collapsed later on. Worrying for the defense, but not so worrisome players need to be dropped in a rush.

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.