Top 10 Under 20 Fantasy Prospects

The 2016 MLS season is around the corner, and you are psyched about your amazing fantasy team… But so are all the players with the same front line of Altidore, Giovinco, and Keane.

You may have plenty of points coming your way through those heavy hitters, but not enough for them to carry the 16 other players in your line-up that you could only spend a small amount on. That is; of course, unless you have the new, young, gems that your friends have yet to notice. In this article we’re going to highlight some guys that will not only leave spending room in your wallet, but also score you some points your competition won’t have.

#1 Cyle Larin     Position: Forward     Price: $9.0     Club: Orlando City SC

Starting off with a bigger name, Larin is coming off of the best rookie season by any draftee in MLS history. The “sophomore slump” superstition has been repeatedly thrown at him this preseason, but if it doesn’t hold true, than he should have an even better season than his first. Another year of experience for both him and his lead benefactor, Kaka, should prove deadly for any defender unlucky enough to mark him.

 

#2 Carlos Gruezo     Position: Midfield     Price: $7.0     Club: FC Dallas

To Oscar Pareja’s delight, Gruezo’s decision to move to Dallas was highly protested by Gruezo’s, Ecuadorian fans because they think his future is too bright to be in MLS. The fresh, sharp CAM will have to work hard to keep his spot in the strong FC Dallas midfield, but if he establishes himself early, he will be drowning in points.

 

#3 Jesse Gonzalez     Position: Goalkeeper     Price: $6.0     Club: FC Dallas

Gonzalez came into the spotlight at the end of last season with multiple outstanding performances. His mean streak in the playoffs was a huge reason Dallas did as well as they did, and why he finds himself a starter this year for the 2016 MLS Cup contenders. He should prove to be one of the top goalkeepers throughout this season.

 

#4 Anatole Abang     Postition: Forward     Price: $5.5     Club: New York Red Bulls

Abang bursted onto the MLS scene last year in almost identical fashion to Eric Ayuk of the Philadelphia Union. He signed with the Red Bulls  at the beginning of last season from Rainbow FC in Cameroon and spent most of his initial minutes on their second team, but he was eventually called up to the first team where he made 17 appearances, mainly as a sub for BWP, and netted four goals. Although presumed a sub, he may become a starter as the season moves forward.

 

#5 Kellyn Acosta     Position: Midfield     Price: $7.0     Club: FC Dallas

After his recent call-up and solid performances for the USMNT in their January camp, Acosta is growing into an key part of FC Dallas. He spent most of his time last season at the holding midfield position acting as a calming presence for his teammates. There is a chance he will move to outside back this season though because of how he did there during his time under Klinsmann, as well as the assurance he can provide in Dallas’s back line  as opposed to their stark midfield.

 

#6 Jack Harrison     Position: Midfield     Price: $5.5      Club: New York City FC

The #1 pick in this year’s MLS Superdraft will most likely give width and speed to an NYCFC midfield that has had a hard time attaining width for Pirlo to lay the ball into. If Harrison can translate his performances from the Demon Deacons,  then expect points coming through both goals and assists.

 

#7 Cristian Roldan     Position: Midfield     Price: $5.5     Club: Seattle Sounders

2015 Generation Adidas signing, Roldan, will almost certainly benefit from the new points system. Accumulating 22 appearances for Seattle since joining, the center midfielder is en route to become a more common face in the Seattle team, especially as they lose some of their starting XI through international duties. His value to Sigi Schmid was more clearly shown when he subbed in for Erik Friberg in their recent 2:2 draw at home to Club America.

 

#8 Erik Ayuk     Position: Midfield     Price: $5.5     Club: Philadelphia Union

The pacey, Cameroonian, outside midfielder has had a good time playing for the Union after signing as a trialist before last season. He has the mindset to take on every defender in front of him which can be helpful, but harmful because it can be slightly over-ambitious. Although a potential starter last year’s Union, don’t expect him to get much time in the densely populated, Philly midfield.

 

#9 Jordan Allen     Position: Midfield     Price: $5.5     Club: Real Salt Lake

Allen had a few good spells in the beginning of RSL’s season last year starting off as a defender, but he gradually moved up to midfield when he scored a game winner in the 90th minute after coming on as a sub against Toronto. It will be interesting to see how much time Allen will be able to clock this season.

 

#10 Tommy Thompson     Position: Forward     Price: $6.0     Club: San Jose Earthquakes

Likely somewhat down the forward depth chart for San Jose, behind Wondo, Amarikwa, Barrett, and Innocent, don’t expect Thompson to get much playtime. Keep an eye on him though because he is a young player with a lot of potential that San Jose will be looking to develop and provide experience to as much as they can.