MLS Fantasy Boss: Seattle Sounders, Toronto FC headline list of player picks for Round 16

TRANSFER DEADLINE: Friday, 9 pm ET





I hope everyone got a nice, relaxing rest in last week, because things are about to heat up.


Round 16 will feature nine games, and ZERO Double Game Weeks. Sound too easy? Don’t worry, you’ve got the MEGA Round 17 DGW and US Open Cup fallout to deal with!


Starting to sweat yet? Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. See below for a list of several players who can carry you through the next two rounds:


Goalkeepers


  • The Replacement: If you want to stick with a known quantity, then Sounders ‘keeper Stefan Frei ($5.9) is your man. If you’re willing to take a little risk, then bring in Toronto’s Chris Konopka (TOR $5.2). He took the starting job when Joe Bendik was sidelined due to injury and has helped Toronto win four of their last 6 games. We may see Bendik rotate in during the DGW, but until that happens, Konopka should be a solid differential play.
  • Differential: Of all the goalkeeping rotations this season, none have been more active than Philly’s revolving door. Brian Sylvestre ($4.5) has been the man for the Union over the last five rounds, and it looks like the job will be his for a while after posting three clean sheets during that span. Philadelphia have a tough game against LA this week followed by two home games in Round 17, but at $4.5m, Sylvestre will easily let you run two starting ‘keepers.


Defenders


The Machine
: It’s not every day that I pick a defender who just allowed three goals, but it’s not every defender who can earn eight points while conceding three times. Montreal’s
Laurent Ciman
($7.7) is that kind of player, but he’s still owned by fewer than 8 percent of managers! He’s got great CBI numbers, and could see him post high numbers again this round against streaking Orlando.

MLS Fantasy Boss: Seattle Sounders, Toronto FC headline list of player picks for Round 16 -

  • Classic: If you’re looking for a big money defender, then the Sounders’ Chad Marshall ($8.9) should be on your list. He has solid CBI numbers, he’s not leaving for the Gold Cup, and Seattle has one of the best home defenses in the league. Seattle and San Jose both played USOC games this week, but San Jose played 120 minutes, so tired legs could be a concern for the Quakes.

  • Home Advantage: If you want to take advantage of a nice run of home games, then take a look at Justin Morrow (TOR $6.2). Toronto has three home games over the next two weeks, with all three coming against teams who have struggled on the road.  Morrow is not a big CBI producer like some, but he has some offensive potential and the chances for clean sheets are there.

  • Midfielders


    Band Wagon
    : With the availability of
    Clint Dempsey
    still up in the air, now is the ideal time to bring in
    Sebastian Giovinco
    (TOR $12.1). With three goals and three assists over his last four games, Giovinco has become the poster child for on-form players yet is only owned by 12.5 percent of managers. Perhaps his price is scaring people away, but when you look at his upcoming games, he’s worth every million.

    MLS Fantasy Boss: Seattle Sounders, Toronto FC headline list of player picks for Round 16 -

  • Purple Lion: If you follow the MLSFI Podcast, then you know I’ve not been a huge Kaká (ORL $11.8) fan. But, after looking at his recent numbers (four goals and an assist in five games), I’m starting to come around. Combine his hot run of form with Orlando’s penchant for away goals, and he may be one of the few players without a DGW in Round 17 worth holding onto.

  • Assist Machine: Over the past several weeks, the Union have turned a five game winless streak around, winning three of their last five games. Cristian Maidana ($8.9) has been a key player in their rally, earning four assists during the stretch. Last week we saw LA’s home unbeaten streak come to an end, and Maidana could help Philly hand LA another home defeat this weekend.

  • Forwards


    High Hopes
    : Even though he hasn’t been finding the back of the net,
    Fabian Espindola’s
    (DC $10.4) assists have helped D.C. stay atop the East. He’ll look to continue his solid distribution and try to hit for a goal this weekend against New England’s poor road defense.

    MLS Fantasy Boss: Seattle Sounders, Toronto FC headline list of player picks for Round 16 -

  • Differential: When you think about scoring forwards, Jack McInerney (MTL $7.5) isn’t the first name that comes to mind. Still, the Impact forward could be a good option this round. His three goals this year have all come at home, and Orlando has allowed 10 away goals in seven road games. I expect this to translate into chances for McInerney and a potential value increase going into his DGW.

  • Budget Option: If you’re looking for a cheap forward with a good chance to score, then look no further than Orlando’s Cyle Larin ($5.9). Larin is just back from a successful stint with the Canadian National Team and will be eager continue scoring against Montreal, who have allowed seven goals in five home games this weekend.

  • Which players are you planning to bring in this round? Share your thoughts below and don’t forget to stop by MLS Fantasy Boss to chat with other managers and check out the other fantasy resources and tips I’ve gathered before you finalize your trades. Good luck!