The opening round of MLS Fantasy saw several fantasy stars pick up where they left off last season, and we also got a glimpse of some potential studs among the newcomers to the league.
It’s a small sample size, though one that proves useful in selecting your squad for Round 2. With a full weekend slate upon us, let’s dive back in and look at the top plays and values to help your team climb up the leaderboard.
Teams on BYE: ATL
Goalkeepers
Yohei Takaoka and Vancouver Whitecaps FC open their 2024 MLS regular season with a favorable home matchup against Charlotte FC, whose attack looked very much like a work in progress despite a 1-0 win over NYCFC to start the season.
If we’re looking to save at the position, Andrew Thomas is set to deputize for Stefan Frei (hamstring) as Seattle Sounders FC search for their first win of the season against a depleted Austin FC attack.
Player | Team | Opponent | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Yohei Takaoka | VAN | vs. CLT | $6.0 |
2. Roman Bürki | STL | vs. NYC | $5.9 |
3. Maarten Paes | DAL | vs. MTL | $6.5 |
Player | Team | Opponent | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Andrew Thomas | SEA | vs. ATX | $4.9 |
Defenders
Julian Gressel earned a clean sheet and nine points in Round 1 of MLS Fantasy. Given his midfield role to start the season, he’s once again high on the radar in Saturday’s rivalry match at home against Orlando City SC. Gressel took six corner kicks, highlighting his role on set pieces that could lead to multiple assists throughout the season.
Player | Team | Opponent | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Julian Gressel | MIA | vs. ORL | $7.5 |
2. Kai Wagner | PHI | at SKC | $7.4 |
3. Jackson Ragen | SEA | vs. ATX | $6.1 |
4. Nkosi Tafari | DAL | vs. MTL | $6.2 |
5. DeJuan Jones | NE | vs. TOR | $5.9 |
Player | Team | Opponent | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Sam Junqua | DAL | vs. MTL | $4.6 |
2. Jake Davis | SKC | vs. PHI | $4.9 |
Midfielders
EDITORS'S NOTE: Gil was substituted at halftime of the Revs' Thursday night Concacaf Champions Cup match as a precaution with a tight Achilles, per head coach Caleb Porter. With New England playing in the final match of the round, proceed with caution and have a backup plan in case Gil lands on the Injury Report.
Carles Gil wasted no time reminding fantasy managers why he’s regarded as one of the best players in the game. He opened his 2024 account in style with a stunning goal and added a dusting of bonus points to finish with 10 total in Round 1. Look for Gil to help the Revs get back on track in their home opener against Toronto FC on Sunday.
Player | Team | Opponent | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Carles Gil | NE | vs. TOR | $9.5 |
2. Ryan Gauld | VAN | vs. CLT | $8.5 |
3. Luciano Acosta | CIN | at CHI | $9.4 |
4. Riqui Puig | LA | at SJ | $8.7 |
5. Emil Forsberg | RBNY | at HOU | $8.5 |
6. Pedro de la Vega | SEA | vs. ATX | $8.3 |
7. Cristian Espinoza | SJ | vs. LA | $8.4 |
8. Joseph Paintsil | LA | at SJ | $8.5 |
9. Eduard Löwen | STL | vs. NYC | $8.4 |
10. Dániel Gazdag | PHI | at SKC | $8.5 |
Player | Team | Opponent | Price |
1. Calvin Harris | COL | vs. NSH | $5.5 |
2. Esmir Bajraktarevic | NE | vs. TOR | $5.1 |
3. Diego Gómez | MIA | vs. ORL | $5.9 |
Forwards
Lionel Messi delivered a goal and an assist, along with a cluster of bonus points, to haul in a solid 20 total in Round 1. He fired off 12 shots and created five chances over two games, and we can expect him to continue to be the focal point of the Miami attack in Saturday’s clash with in-state rival Orlando City.
While $10.5 million is a big hit against your fantasy budget, finding the funds for Messi could be a difference-maker on the leaderboards this early in the season.
Player | Team | Opponent | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
1. Lionel Messi | MIA | vs. ORL | $10.5 |
2. Dénis Bouanga | LA | at RSL | $9.5 |
3. Cucho Hernández | CLB | at MIN | $9.5 |
4. Cristian Arango | RSL | vs. LAFC | $9.0 |
5. Brian White | VAN | vs. CLT | $8.0 |
Player | Team | Opponent | Price |
1. Dante Sealy | DAL | vs. MTL | $5.0 |
2. Ibrahim Aliyu | HOU | vs. RBNY | $5.4 |
Player | Team | Opponent | Price |
1. Lionel Messi | MIA | vs. ORL | $10.5 |
2. Carles Gil | NE | vs. TOR | $9.5 |
3. Ryan Gauld | VAN | vs. CLT | $8.5 |
Playing MLS Pick’em is simple. Pick the correct answer to all the questions in a round, and you could win two tickets to a 2024 MLS regular-season match!
All players who participate in (3) or more rounds by May 26, 2024, will be entered into the MLS Pick’em Sweepstakes. One player from that pool will be randomly selected to win a 2024 MLS All-Star Game VIP Experience. Don’t forget to get your picks in early and often!
Pick’em advice:
Pick 1: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Charlotte FC
Who is going to score first in the second half?
Vancouver are heavy favorites at home against a Charlotte FC side that kept a clean sheet in their 2024 season opener. Look for Charlotte to put forth a strong effort in the first half with the home side breaking through for a Whitecaps win in the second half.
Pick 3: FC Dallas vs. CF Montréal
Will both teams score?
The oddsmakers favor this match to stay Under 2.5 goals, and after watching Montréal gut out a 0-0 draw at Orlando I’m leaning that way too. With star striker Jesús Ferreira questionable for Saturday’s match, and the Montréal attack yet to find its footing, I’m banking on a clean sheet from one side or the other.
Pick 5: Colorado Rapids v Nashville SC
Which team will be leading at HT?
Nashville SC are fresh off a Concacaf Champions Cup win on Wednesday, while the Colorado Rapids will look to get back on track after a disappointing 4-1 loss to Portland to start the season. Nashville could have one eye on next week’s Round of 16 tilt with Miami, and I’m rolling with the Rapids to come out strong early and take advantage of Nashville’s busy travel schedule.
