Reid, Mike and Blayne are joined by Parker Cleveland from Dirty South Soccer to chat about Round 9 and debate who currently is the best team in MLS (injuries or not). They then move into their discussion of games and player recommendation for the upcoming Round 10 and drop more hints about the special MAY The 4th Episode that will drop later this week.
There were two chances for MLS Fantasy managers to get disappointed during Round 9. The first chance was for all the managers who hoped for several clean sheets. The second was the fact that many of the goals scored came from unexpected or inconsistent players.
This resulted in lower overall scores even for those Fantasy managers in the top ranks of the overall table. If you got a double dose of bad luck last week, don’t worry – Round 10 is all about offense and I think the players below could help you get back on track ahead of the upcoming double game week.
Teams on a Bye: D.C. United
Double Game Week Teams: None
Goalkeepers
Turn Around: At the start of the season, the Sporting Kansas City defense was questionable. However, over the past five rounds, Sporting have found the shutoff valve for their leaks, earning three clean sheets. This makes Tim Melia ($6.8) a top option for a good score when SKC host a Colorado Rapids team that has struggled for road goals (8:30 pm ET | TV & streaming info).
Keeperoo Options: If you're looking for a good pairing for a ‘keeper rotation, my favorites are Alex Bono ($6.3) and Joe Bendik ($5.9). Start with Bono on your bench so you have time to see if Toronto FC can hold their own against the Philadelphia Union (8 pm ET | TSN 1/3/4/5 — Full TV & streaming info). If that does not work, switch to Bendik, as Real Salt Lake have been struggling of late.
Defenders
Steven Beitashour (L) and his LAFC backline mates | USA Today Sports Images
Balanced: If you’re looking for a defender with a combination of attacking skill and clean-sheet potential, then consider LAFC’s Steven Beitashour ($8.5). His attacking nature often results in multiple key passes per game and he’s already earned three assists. Beitashour also has a shot at a clean sheet this weekend: FC Dallas (3:55 pm ET | Univision — Full TV & streaming info). have only scored more than one goal in two of their seven games to date.
Value Option: As defender prices continue to climb, finding good budget players is getting more difficult. One of the better options this round is Seattle’s Kim Kee-Hee ($5.0). He was a late addition to the Sounders’ starting XI last week, but put up a solid defensive performance and earned a clean sheet. With both of Seattle’s starting defenders on the injury list, it’s likely he could see more play time this week against Columbus Crew SC (4 pm ET | TV & streaming info).
Midfielders
Proven Production: If you're ready to drop big money on an attacking midfielder, don't let last week’s loss sway you from Montreal’s Ignacio Piatti ($12.2). He’s scored a goal or earned an assist in each of his first four games, and bagged a hat trick in Round 8. He's back at home this week and should put up good points against New England (1 pm ET | TVAS – Full TV & streaming info).
Derby Switch: The history of the NY Derby is filled with boom-or-bust games. If you are betting on boom for this week then consider the New York Red Bulls’ Kaku ($9.3). He's scored a goal or earned an assist in three of his last four games, but may be best used as a switcheroo this week in case New York City FC's (1:55 pm ET | ESPN — Full TV & streaming info) defense holds up on the road.
Forwards
Bargain Basement: Point production from forwards has thus far not been as high as many Fantasy managers would have hoped. The upside is that several top forwards are now available at a bargain price. One such player is Toronto’s Sebastian Giovinco ($9.0). In four games, the Atomic Ant has only managed to earn two assists, even while consistently generating bonus points from his shots. The goals are likely to come soon, and Philadelphia's defense may not be able to hold against the rested Reds.
Darwin Quintero | USA Today Sports Images
On Form: If you’d rather go with a forward who is already in form, then consider Minnesota United’s Darwin Quintero ($10.5). Over his past three games, he’s become key to the Minnesota attack, scoring two goals and earning an assist. If nothing else, he’s guaranteed to see another value rise this week – but the scoring streak could continue when the Loons host a Vancouver Whitecaps (2 pm ET | CTV, TSN1 — Full TV & streaming info) team that has been vulnerable on the road.
WHICH PLAYERS are you considering for Round 10?
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