MLS Fantasy has launched. Listen as Reid, Mike, Blayne and our special guest, Phil Luetchford quickly go over some of their favorite changes to the 2018 version of the Fantasy game. After the dust settles, stay around for the main event… Our Western Conference Preview! Phil and Blayne go back and forth talking about each team and highlighting their standout Fantasy options. It’s a must-listen as you build your first team.
Welcome back everyone! MLS Fantasy has officially begun and there are a lot of exciting changes. One thing that has not changed is roster building. We still get two goalkeepers, five defenders, five midfielders and three forwards. If you’re new to the game, this may seems like a challenge, but that’s why I’m here. As we count down the days to kickoff on March 3, I’ll be giving you lists of my top players from each position.
We’re starting things out with my Top 10 goalkeeper rankings. Just like last year, I set my rankings using 2017 point generation per 90 minutes played, total 2018 starting price, and the overall quality of the defensive unit.
Breaking down the Top 3
Player |
Team |
Price |
|---|---|---|
1. Tim Melia |
SKC |
$6.0 |
2. Alex Bono |
TOR |
$6.0 |
3. Stefan Frei |
SEA |
$6.0 |
The common thread for my top three players is that they were very successful in 2017 and they kept their core defensive units intact during the offseason. Sporting Kansas City’sTim Melia gets the top spot as SKC earned the titles of 2017 Goalkeeper and Defender of the year. Alex Bono battled to become a starter on the best team in MLS last year, which helps him get to number two on my list. He's a great option, but Toronto FC did let in a few more goals that two other teams in 2017. Rounding out the top three is Stefan Frei. The Seattle Sounders were MLS Cup finalists and Frei was the co-highest scoring fantasy keeper in 2017. Frei was also the 'keeper with the most clean sheets and that’s a bread-and-butter stat for a top 'keeper.
Middle of the pack
Player |
Team |
Price |
|---|---|---|
4. Sean Johnson |
NYC |
$5.5 |
5. Luis Robles |
NY |
$5.5 |
6. Zack Steffen |
CLB |
$5.5 |
7. Joe Bendik |
ORL |
$5.0 |
This next group of 'keepers is a bit more affordable, but they still maintain a high level of play and point generation. Many of these players were in the middle of the pack when it came to clean sheets, but were able to make up the difference by the high number of recoveries (1 point for every 6 recoveries) they were able to generate over the season.
Three more solid candidates
Player |
Team |
Price |
|---|---|---|
8. Brad Guzan |
ATL |
$6.0 |
9. Andre Blake |
PHI |
$6.0 |
10. David Ousted |
DC |
$5.0 |
These final players are a mixed bag, but each has one problem that makes me only consider them as situational picks. Brad Guzan had some great moments but we haven't yet seen a full season from him.
Andre Blake had a great season and was one of my favorite young goalkeepers of 2017 and had the highest PP90 numbers. But the problem with the Jamaican international is that he's just too expensive.
Finally, David Ousted has had a successful career in both MLS and MLS Fantasy. He left Vancouver in the offseason and will take Bill Hamid's spot at D.C. United this season, if he fends off Steve Clark for the starting role. His price is good but I want to wait and see how his form holds before deciding if he’s still dependable.
These are my top 'keeper picks for the start of the 2018 season. Is there anyone you think should be here? If so, share your favorites in the comments below.
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