Finally, after two weeks of setting, tweaking, and resetting our teams, we’re finally in the home stretch. So let’s take a look at the MLS Fantasy Boss checklist to make sure you have everything in order: Joined a league, check. Reviewed early season picks, check. Figured out the new price change rule, check. Found some value players, check. Got tips from a former winner, check. Decided on a captain …
Wait, you can’t go into Round 1 without making your most important decision! If you’re new to MLS Fantasy Manager, your captain is the player who will earn double points, so you’ll want to make sure you have a player who’s going to give you a good return. These are my top prospects for Round 1:
Classic Captains
The first game of the season is LA vs Chicago, so it only makes sense that Robbie Keane (LA $11.0) is the first player on this list. LA had the best home scoring record last season and Keane was involved with 19 of 44 goals. Chicago’s record for allowing away goals was below the league average. Even with the retooling the Fire have done in the offseason, LA’s chances for points are strong and, especially without Landon Donovan, Keane remains the key to unlocking those points.
With all of the preseason Vancouver hype it should be no surprise to see one of their players on this list, and Pedro Morales (VAN $11.0) is the player that stands out to me. He got off to a slow start in 2014, but finished the year well and has been on good form during preseason. Vancouver’s home scoring record was only average last year, but Toronto’s preseason results lead me to believe that this overhauled team has not completely gelled yet.
It’s seems obvious that any captains list would be filled with $11m players, so it may surprise you to see Andrew Wenger (PHI $7.5) coming in third on my list (unless you are a Philadelphia fan). Wenger had a good showing for the Union in 2014 but has really come on strong during this preseason, earning four goals and two assists. Colorado also had the worst away record in 2014, so this opener provides Wenger and the rest of the Union with the opportunity for a strong start.
Tossups
I’m sure most people expected to see Obafemi Martins (SEA $11.0) in my top three, but I don’t like the opener against New England. It’s true that the Revolution were leaky on the road last year, but a game against the MLS Cup runner-up will not be easy. Martins is a great player, and I would not be surprised to see points from him, but as a captain, I’d wait for Round 2.
A team with a lot of offensive talent may be great for supporters, but it’s frustrating for fantasy. Dallas is just this kind of team. They have a great home opener, but so many options it’s hard to feel good about one single captain pick. The Fabian Castillo vs. Mauro Diaz debate still rages on, and Blas Perez is also a tempting captain option. However, with recent questions about the center back pairing, my top pick has to be Michel (DAL $9.0). But ONLY if he plays as a CB.
Differential
If you are one of those players who likes to go against the grain, then consider Chris Pontius (DC $7.0). He’s not been very active in preseason, but he’ll play up top at least while Fabian Espindola is suspended. And going by last season’s data, Montreal should be an easy game. However, Montreal recently impressed many people in their CCL match, so this pick has a lot of risk with it.
You may have noticed that this list has none of the new players on it. With so much still unknown about those players and the 2015 season, my strategy has always been to stick with a known quantity when deciding my first captain. It’s like the 2013 MLS Fantasy Champion Paul V says: “You can’t win MLS Fantasy in the first week, but you can lose it.”
Did I overlook anyone that you are considering giving the captain’s armband to? Share your favorite captain in the comments below, hit my up on Twitter, or come by MLSFantasyBoss.com and chat with other managers. Good Luck!
