The unpredictability of MLS Fantasy was at its finest in Round 25.
One would typically opt to avoid a DGW team with two tough road games on the schedule. The San Jose Earthquakes trounced that theory – along with Sporting Kansas City (5-0) and D.C. United (2-0).
The Quakes landed seven players on the Dream Team, led by Chris Wondolowski’s three goals and 21 points. Wondo’s haul was matched by Robbie Keane, who turned in another sensational performance during the LA Galaxy’s 5-1 thumping of New York City FC on Sunday. The two top point earners in Round 25 now go head-to-head in what should be an entertaining California Clasico on Friday night (11 PM ET, UniMás, MLS LIVE).
David Villa (12 pts) hit double-digit fantasy points thanks to a goal and an assist, but it was teammate Kwadwo Poku who earned a spot on the Dream Team for the second straigth round, racking up 17 points through two goals for a spot on the Dream Team for the second straight round. Kei Kamara’s 17 points did not let his fantasy owners down.
The Golden Boot frontrunner now travels to New York City in Round 26, where there has been a total of four or more goals scored in each of the last six contests at Yankee Stadium. And while fantasy monster Sebastian Giovinco (10 pts) had a goal and an assist, it was his Toronto FC comrade Michael Bradley turning in three assists to round out the Dream Team.
ChunkMasters benefitted from rostering three Earthquakes players en route to posting 148 points for the highest total of Round 25.
Round 26 kicks off on Wednesday, with four more teams wearing the DGW tag this week.
Remember, all fantasy managers get a free Wildcard in Round 27. For me, this means i’m not even considering the schedule beyond Round 26. I’m going to make my moves based on this round only and then hit the reset button on my squad next round.
With another quick turnaround, here’s what to consider before making your moves:
The transfer deadline for Round 26 is Wednesday, August 26th at 8:30 pm ET.
Review the MLS Injury Report and MLS Disciplinary Report as they are updated throughout the week. Reach out to me on Twitter (@DraftKicks) with any player-specific questions.
Twice the Fun: There are four teams playing twice in Round 26 – the Chicago Fire, Colorado Rapids, Houston Dynamo and New York Red Bulls. The Rapids are the only team that play both games at home. No teams are on a bye this round.
Bradley Wright-Phillips ($11.2m) jumps out as the most obvious play on a Double Game Week. Here are a few more budget-friendly options under $10m that I’m considering for Round 26:
Maynor Figueroa
– Colorado Rapids – Defender ($7.1m)
– The recent defensive reinforcement helped the Rapids shut out the Chicago Fire 1-0 on Saturday, earning nine fantasy points along the way. The English Premier League veteran has a good chance to continue to contribute with two home games this round.
Sacha Kljestan – New York Red Bulls – Midfielder ($9.7m) – Kljestan has quietly put up eight or more fantasy points in four of the last five rounds. He’s been active in the attack, scoring two goals and assisting on three during that span. I’ll set his fantasy floor at 10 points this round, making Kljestan a solid plug-and-play with two games in Round 26.
David Accam – Chicago Fire – Forward ($8.8m) – The feisty Ghanaian returned from a hamstring injury this weekend, and while he didn’t score, he came close on numerous occasions. Accam has six goals in limited action, a number I predict will rise with a pair of favorable matchups on the docket.
Did you go against the grain and roster Earthquakes players last round? How are you approaching the DGW in Round 26? Let us know in the comments below.
