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Houston Dynamo 1 vs. Chicago Fire 1
Highlights
This game marked the end to a losing streak for both sides, however, neither side were able to gain on their conference opponents, leaving both sides in sorry form. The offense came through unlikely suspects early for Dynamo midfielder Alex and Fire’s Nyarko, returning from injury. Nyarko’s speed proved effective enough to steal a point from the Dynamo and could be a force going forward if he finds his old form now that he’s back from injury. Either way both sides are searching for offensive potential and have been sorely lacking as of late.
Fantasy Standouts/Fantasy Letdowns
- Neither side produced a coveted offensive or defensive performance and it’s hard to tell where the attack is supposed to come from right now for either side. The Fire badly need Accam’s speed back on the flanks and could get some assistant with the return of Nyarko, but they’ve hardly been dangerous. Bruin hit a hot streak early on, but has had nothing to show as of late. With both sides missing key players and having suspect defenses, you’ll be smart to take a flier somewhere else.
Seattle Sounders 1 vs. DC United 0
Highlights
The Sounders dominated this game with more offense and nearly 70% possession. This isn’t all up to poor play by DC United, but more to a 27th minute red card to Fabian Espindola. DC United struggled to produce much after, while the Sounders failed to capitalize on chances with Dempsey and Martins absent and also lost Stefan Frei to a shoulder injury at the half. Regardless, RB Tyrone Mears came through with an absolute laser in the 88th minute to lift the Sounders to a win. Lamar Neagle has continued to be ineffective, while Espindola has been unable to be the star player DC United needs him to be. DC won’t go all the way if they continue to look like this so keep an eye on them in the coming weeks.
Fantasy Standouts
- Tyrone Mears ($7.1): Apart from his absolute beauty of a goal, his defensive performance was solid. He helped a young Sounders team to a shutout and got into the attack often.
Fantasy Letdowns
- Lamar Neagle ($8.8): If you were like me you reasonably thought Lamar would take on the onus of scoring goals. That didn’t happen and still hasn’t happen. My faith in him is fading and Lampard may just tempt me away from him.
- Fabian Espindola ($10.2): Well apart from missing the next game Espindola hasn’t become the star fantasy player we all hoped for. DC relies heavily on all its parts and not just star players, which can hurt Espindola’s fantasy value. Tread lightly with DC United.
New York Red Bulls 1 vs. Columbus Crew 2
Highlights
He’s the man. Ethan Finlay. He’s also not eligible for Canada apparently so look out USMNT. Ethan Finlay scored both goals with assists from Kei Kamara to help the Crew to a win over a strong New York Red Bulls side. The Crews offense was dominant against a resilient New York Red Bulls defense that has looked much better with Miazga in back, despite transfer rumors of his imminent departure.
Fantasy Standouts
- Ethan Finlay ($8.9): Finlay has been strong all year providing consistent offensive power for the Crew. It’s amazing that there hasn’t been contact from any national teams, but with his consistency it should only be a matter of time.
- Kei Kamara ($9.5): It wasn’t goals this time, but the two assists are almost more valuable, because it shows his ability to get fantasy points even when he’s held scoreless.
- Matt Miazga ($5.7): The man had 4 defensive bonus points. Wow. He looks like the Benny Feilhaber of defense to me and is cheap. Only worries are if he gets sold or not.
Fantasy Letdowns
- Bradley Wright-Phillips ($11.2): BWP along with the Red Bulls offense has been struggling to find their form after a string of strong performances. I’m not sure what it is, but they’re definitely a team to be reckoned with and this may have just been a case of the Crew being the better team and the Red Bulls being unable to do anything about it. Don’t rule BWP or the Red Bulls out.
New York City FC 2 vs. Toronto FC 0
Highlights
He’s the man. We’ve been waiting all season for David Villa to be David Villa and here he is, just in time for the arrival of Frank Lampard and Pirlo. I may be getting a bit too excited, but I can’t help it. I would like to say NYCFC completely outplayed the Impact, but the Impact absolutely blew NYCFC’s offensive production out of the water putting 10 of 25 shots on target. The offense was there, but the finishing wasn’t. Hopefully the arrival of Lampard this week will give Villa some more room to work with.
Fantasy Standouts
- David Villa ($10.9): He had a brace. If you have him don’t drop him. Lampard should, hopefully, only make Villa better. I picked up Villa and I’m really considering Lampard too, because why not.
- Ignacio Piatti ($10.0): The offense was flowing through Piatti this game. He converted a PK to bring the Impact equal and took 5 shots, 3 of which were on goal. If the Impact continue to produce like this, the goals will flow for Piatti.
Fantasy Letdowns
- NYCFC Defense: It’s not even close to be a strong defense. The only way NYCFC are going to keep winning with what they have is to outscore their opponents. Which will be good for the offense, but some new names for the defense would be helpful.
- Laurent Ciman ($7.6): For his price, his performance has been sub par. He needs to lay off the yellows and help anchor the back line better. This isn’t his first poor performance. However, they did hold NYCFC to very few chances, but NYCFC finished the ones that mattered of their 3 on target shots. I’m not too worried, but this is a trend to keep an eye on for Ciman.
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.
