Congratulations to Reid, who is newly married! In his absence, Mike, Blayne & Tim discuss what was in Week 2 of the new MLS Fantasy season and give you tips for Week 3.
Every year we get treated to some surprise performances in the early season. Outside of Bob Bradley’s locker room, did anyone see LAFCputting five on Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium? Was it possible to predict the New York Red Bulls opening their 2018 season by dismantling the Portland Timbers with a reserve-heavy XI?
These results, and the MLS Fantasy performances that accompany them, offer managers a vital clue to use in team selection. Teams that dominate out of the gate often stay hot for the next couple of months. Consider Chicago and Golden Boot winner Nemanja Nikolic: The Fire were untouchable for the early stages of the 2017 season and Nikolic poured in the goals for his Fantasy managers.
Looking at the past two weeks of results, we’re starting to get a sense of who 2018’s breakout players will be. And since value changes in MLS Fantasy are tied to a player’s previous performances, riding the coattails of these streaking players will also help your team by building its overall value.
Goalkeepers
Philadelphia's Andre Blake | USA Today Sports Images
Hot Hands
No goalkeeper boasts a better per-game average than the Philadelphia Union’s Andre Blake ($6.5), who’s clocking in at an excellent 9.0 ppg. Although he faces a tough matchup against undefeated Columbus Crew SC on Saturday (2 pm ET; TV & streaming info), the 2016 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year is a good bet to rack up the saves in the friendly confines of Talen Energy Stadium, and has an outside shot at a clean sheet.
Road Warrior
Not liking Blake? Consider Red Bulls stalwart Luis Robles ($6.0). Although he’s on the road, his opponents RSL might take a much more defensive stance after getting broken open for the aforementioned five goals in Round 2. If it’s a low-scoring affair, Louie Oak Trees could stand strong for New York on Saturday (9 pm ET; TV & streaming info).
Other options: Richard Sanchez, Chicago Fire ($4.8); Sean Johnson, New York City FC ($6.5).
Defenders
NYCFC's Anton Tinnerholm | USA Today Sports Images
Attacking Backs
NYCFC’s outside backs continue to deliver from a fantasy standpoint. After recommending Ben Sweat last week, I’m switching the endorsement to his colleague Anton Tinnerholm ($6.0), who scored NYC’s opening goal in thunderous fashion vs. the LA Galaxy. If it weren’t for Sweat’s error in Round 2, Tinnerholm and NYC would have recorded a clean sheet, too – I think they’re a good bet to get one this week at home against Orlando City on Saturday (3:30 pm ET; Univision, Twitter — full TV & streaming info).
Steady Performer
Before Round 2, I couldn’t get a definite sense of whether Connor Lade ($5.0) was definitely going to be in RBNY’s starting XI, so I chose not to add him. It turns out he was starting – and he went crazy. A clean sheet and a 13-point performance make the $5.0 million defender a very attractive choice, even on the road against RSL. Just check to make sure he’s starting.
Best Hair in MLS
Crew SC’s Lalas Abubakar has put together two strong fantasy performances to start the season — including a clean sheet in Round 1 and a penalty earned in Round 2. If you like Columbus to post a shutout in Chester, Pennsylvania, Abubakar is your man at only $5.5 million.
Other options: Ben Sweat, NYCFC ($5.5); Brandon Vincent, Chicago Fire ($5.7).
Midfielders
Week 1 Superstar
After a bye week, the darlings of opening day – the San Jose Earthquakes – are back in action. Vako ($9.5) led the way in Week 1 with a goal and two assists. I like him on the road against a Sporting Kansas City defense on Saturday (8:30 pm ET; TV & streaming info) that looks much more vulnerable in 2018 than it did last season.
New Addition
Chicago’s new midfielder Aleksandar Katai ($9.0) looked like the real deal in the Fire’s opening match. In addition to his goal, he managed to rack up four bonus points in a variety of categories. Fantasy managers love to see this — good bonus point production means the player’s floor is high, but he has the potential to contribute even more points via goals and assists. He has a chance to continue that production against Minnesota on Saturday (2 pm ET; TV & streaming info).
Homegrown Production
Looking at the lower price ranges, Philadelphia’s Anthony Fontana stands out as a potential steal. At just $5.0 million, he started and scored a goal in Round 1. Philly faces a tough matchup against Crew SC, but I believe that the Homegrown is worth at least a bench spot if he gets the starting nod.
Other options: Miguel Almiron, Atlanta United ($10.3); Felipe Gutierrez, Sporting KC ($8.7); Vincent Bezecourt, New York Red Bulls ($6.0)
Strikers
Chicago's Nemanja Nikolic | USA Today Sports Images
Sweet Home Chicago
Across the board, I like Fire players against a Minnesota United team that just lost its best player, Kevin Molino, to an ACL injury. But the best bet could be Nikolic ($11.5), who looks a threat to replicate his stellar form from the early part of last season. After two goals in Chicago’s opener and a 13-point average, the Serbian looks certain to gain another few hundred thousand dollars in value, to boot.
Dangerous At Home
I know I said it last week, but it bears repeating: David Villa ($11.3) at home is probably the safest bet in all MLS Fantasy. The Spaniard added his 66th MLS goal in his 100th overall appearance during NYC’s home opener. Even though I’ve jinxed it thoroughly, consider adding the NYCFC striker anyways.
Other options: Hector Villalba, Atlanta United; CJ Sapong, Philadelphia Union; Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto FC
Are you going with the hot players or are you taking a different approach? Let us know in the comments below.
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