With only 10 teams active, this past weekend in MLS Fantasy broke down into two distinct storylines for both team and individual success:
On the team side, there was FC Dallas’ 3-0 domination of Columbus Crew SC on the road, and the New England Revolution’s 3-0 domination of Orlando at home.
For individuals, it was about the return of Clint Dempsey and the coming-out party for Didier Drogba’s run in MLS.
Two of Dallas’ scorers made the Dream Team in David Texeira and defender Atiba Harris; they were joined by three others responsible for the clean sheet to give FCD a league leading five players on the squad. The Revs were led by Lee Nguyen and his three assists, with goal scorers Diego Fagundez and defender Chris Tierney joining him on the team.
Nguyen, Tierney, and Harris all turned in 16-point performances, but Drogba was the week’s highest scorer: his hat trick was good for 17 points. His first full 90 minutes in MLS were spectacular, but now he’ll have to try and repeat against the star-laden LA Galaxy this weekend.
Dempsey contributed a goal and an assist as Seattle bested Toronto, and this weekend he’ll have to lead the newly full-strength Sounders at San Jose in a key matchup of playoff hopefuls.
Small Time Sports rode a 5-3-2 defense heavy formation to the round’s highest point total, 105. Four of those defenders managed a clean sheet and the smart decision to captain Nguyen paid off.
Two Wednesday games kick off Round 28, but only two teams – Sporting Kansas City and the Colorado Rapids – continue into a Double Game Week. Hopefully last round’s universal wildcard was used to store Rapids and SKC players on the bench.
A few things to keep in mind before Wednesday’s games kickoff:
- The transfer deadline for Round 28 is Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET.
- To quote Tim Gunn, be sure to use the MLS Injury Report and the MLS Disciplinary Report very thoughtfully. With a second round of international matches to begin this week, player availability for the weekend will be more fluid than in a typical week.
Make it work: Both teams on Round 28 Double Game Week this week begin proceedings on the road. Sporting doesn’t get a home game out of the two, and Colorado have to host Eastern Conference leading D.C. United in their second contest. Don’t box yourself into a corner trying to take advantage of the DGW. Managers have to edit themselves, lest they end up with a hot mess.
Vincente Sanchez – Colorado Rapids ($7.0) – This Rapids forward is my recommendation for those looking specifically for DGW contributors. He had two assists his last time out, and is affordable to boot.
Here are some other players I’m keeping an eye on:
Chris Tierney – New England Revolution – Defender ($7.5) – The goal got him on the Dream Team, but New England’s defense has turned in three straight clean sheets. This round they travel to Toronto, but the Reds may be without Sebastian Giovinco, and have Michael Bradley off getting some national team time on Tuesday.
Shaun Francis – San Jose Earthquakes – Defender ($5.2) –The Quakes defense had a setback this past weekend, but the team was missing some key players and then had a key loss during the match. At this price point, with San Jose on a double in Round 29, it’s worth seeing if that defense can find the magic again.
Giovani Dos Santos – LA Galaxy – Midfielder ($10.4) – Since joining the Galaxy, Dos Santos has turned in a goal and an assist every other match. Following the pattern, he should have a goal and an assist against Montreal. That’s just science.
Did you bet big on FC Dallas last round? Who did you stash on the bench to get your team going for the rest of the season? Let us know in the comments below.
