With #DecisionDay on Sunday, the fate of your favorite MLS team is not the only thing hanging in the balance. Fantasy leagues have their final round this weekend, after an extra-long Round 33.
Games from last Wednesday’s triple-header through to last night’s match between Sporting Kansas City and the Colorado Rapids all counted in the round score, and with a universal wildcard preceding the round there were plenty of points available for the MLS fantasy enthusiast.
FC Dallas played their way into clinching first place in the Western Conference, and along the way were the backbone of the past round’s 168-point Dream Team. Mauro Diaz led all Dallas players with 19 points, and he would've had more if he hadn’t missed a penalty against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Also appearing for Dallas were goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez, defenders Matt Hedges and Je-Vaughn Watson, and midfielders Michael Barrios and Ryan Hollingshead. With a clean sheet through their double game week, good things were happening at FCD.
The Portland Timbers’ goal-a-palooza was bound to have some fantasy impact, and 24-point Fanendo Adi was it. His three goals and an assist over the double match week were good for top point earner. Teammate Jorge Villafana also made the dream team with a clean sheet and two assists.
Bobby Boswell, Mike Grella and Cyle Larin rounded out the dream team, with both forwards getting a brace over the weekend.
Enigmatic Picadillos ran with their charming quirks to the tune of 160 points. Hitting on five dream teamers as well as captaining Adi got them much of the way, while also getting good performances from Sacha Kljestan and Dax McCarty.
Here’s the Round 33 dream team:
#DecisionDay gives us all two free transfers to make a final push in our fantasy leagues. For those of us skilled enough to be in a league final, identifying top performers is incredibly important.
Here are your key things to remember:
- Round 34 transfer deadline: Sunday, Oct. 25 at 5 pm ET
- Use the MLS Injury Report and Disciplinary Summary very carefully.
If you dream it, you can build it: It's no secret that Larin continues to be an unstoppable goal-scoring threat, and with Orlando having it all to play on Sunday for he’s certainly got the motivation. He’ll be starting on my squad this week. Here are some other players I’m taking a look at:
Shaun Francis– ($5.4) – Defender – San Jose Earthquakes – The Quakes are in the same boat as Orlando. While Dallas have the Supporters’ Shield to play for, making the playoffs has to be motivation for Francis to make the extra effort as a defender.
Mauro Diaz– ($10.5) – Midfielder – FC Dallas – That’s one theory, the other being how much Dallas will want to put themselves in a position to celebrate a trophy win with their home fans. Diaz has been hot, and there are no signs of a potential cool off.
Sebastian Lletget– ($6.8) – Midfielder – LA Galaxy – He’s cooled off fantasy-wise, but after the Galaxy's embarrassing performance against Portland, he’s someone I’m looking at to have a statement performance.
Who are you looking at for the final round? Any of you playing in a championship this weekend? Let us know in the comments section!
