There's no need to pinch yourself, I can assure you that this is not a dream. MLS Fantasy Soccer is back! The 2015 season already looks exciting and there have been some big changes.
And it's not just the rules. MLSsoccer.com has enlisted the help of five new fantasy soccer experts to make sure owners are well informed. My name is Reid, but some of you may know me better as Dashdar from r/FantasyMLS on Reddit.
- FANTASY SOCCER 101: Your entry-level course to becoming a master
My job this year is simple, each week I'll be posting my top picks for each position to help you build your team and make the right transfers. If you want more information, check out my website MLSFantasyBoss.com, where you can find charts, stats, and captain polls.
But enough about me, you're trying to build your 2015 squad, so let's jump right into it.
GOALKEEPERS
Goalkeepers are a position that I don't want to think about too much during the season. Data shows that teams perform better at home, so I try to focus on having a pair of 'keepers who rotate home and away games. You can find a home and away rotations chart at MLSFantasyBoss.com.
| TOP DAWGS: | |
| This pairing will get you the two highest-scoring 'keepers from 2014 and allow you to start a home netminder 16 times in the first 18 weeks. However, you get what you pay for, as they will cost you $11.5m in valuable cap space. |
| SOMETHING OLD SOMETHING NEW: | |
| RSL had one of the best defenses in MLS last season, and Orlando has the best looking defense of the expansion teams. This combo will let you start a home keeper 17 times in the first 18 weeks, but also comes in at $11.5m. |
| THE PENNY PINCHER: | |
| Colorado has a retooled defense and Dallas maintained its strong core. If you want to save some cash, and take a little risk, this combo is the best option. You will be able to start a home keeper 15 times in the first 18 weeks for just $10.0m. |
DEFENDERS
When it comes to defenders, it's all about that bass…or CBI production for me. You can't predict clean sheets and goals are just too rare, but a good center back can grab you 2-3 bonus points per game through CBIs.
| PREMIUM PERFORMERS: | |
| Each of these players should be nailed starters and averaged 6-plus points per game last season. You'll have to tighten your belt if you grab all three because they will cost more than a fifth of your budget. |
| NEW MIDDLEMEN: | |
| Every year we see some new faces from other leagues. They don't come with the historical stats that we need for a good evaluation, and they're usually part of defensive unit rework.These players all show promise for a reasonable price, but could be risky if it takes time for their respective backlines to gel. |
| VALUE BENCH FILLERS: | |
| Last year it was David Horst who started cheap but gave managers big returns when he became a starter. All these players saw limited time last season, but could be starters in 2015. They're the perfect way to round out your defensive roster. |
MIDFIELDERS
Personally, I find the midfield to be the hardest position to fill. So many players that I want just aren't within my price range, lest other positions suffer. Unless you plan to play with only one forward, thus opening up valuable cap room, you have to find reliable mid-range midfielders.
| SHOW HIM THE MONEY: | |
| It's going to be hard to field a balanced team with more than two 10m-plus players. If you plan on spending that kind of money in midfield, spend it on Morales. The 'Caps have three attractive opening games, and Diego Valeri should be out until around May. |
| BREAD AND NUTTER: | |
| The players in the $7.5 to $6.5 range are going to make up the core of most teams. Any lower and you start to get into inconsistent sub territory. The most promising in this range is Shipp, but for those who are up for a risk, any of the other three will do just fine. |
| ALMOST FAMOUS: | |
| You may have noticed that I skipped a big price range. Players priced in the $9.0m-$8.0m range can be equally as restrictive as the premium options, but need a separate section because they can be less consistent. Still, Sam and Wallace are two that you should consider. |
| THE DALLAS PROBLEM: | |
| Dallas has three excellent midfield options and a home opener that has points written all over it. It just comes down to personal preference. |
FORWARDS
The key to finding a successful forward is to think back to what you learned in kindergarten: share with others. Unless you have a forward who is going to score a record number of goals – looking at you BWP – you will want players who are creators and not poachers.
| THE GIVERS: | |
| Thierry Henry's retirement means only two forwards who racked up double-digit goal and assist numbers in 2014 are still in MLS. Keane and Martins notched 14 and 13 assists, respectively, and finished first and third in total points by a forward. If you want to splurge on one premium forward, these are the two to look at. |
| TARGET MEN: | |
| Just because a forward doesn't pass much doesn't mean he's not worth a spot on your roster. Everyone has to respect someone who just puts the ball into the back of the net. BWP, Dwyer and Cubo have that part of the game down pat and should be primary targets for their teams. Just remember, you'll have to hold off on Cubo until his loan with the Chivas mothership ends. |
| PROMISING NEWCOMERS: | |
| If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, I've got a couple you'll want to consider in Rivero, Agudelo, and Rochez. Villa isn't cheap, per say, but you know he's going to score goals. |
These are just a few of the players who I think are worth keeping an eye on right now, with the caveat that things will almost certainly change as we get closer to March 6.
Which players did you snag for your team? Agree or disagree with my picks? Let me know in the comments section below.
