Round 31 was excellent for MLS Fantasy managers. Both double-game week teams had respectable results, many of the top players put up big scores and the potential for future fantasy points looks good as several teams are still in the running for a playoff spot after the dust settled.
As for Round 32, at first glance, it looks like a normal week. However, don’t forget that the final game, Seattle Sounders vs. Houston Dynamo, is played on Monday – so don’t get caught off guard when transfers don’t open after Sunday. This long weekend will provide plenty of opportunities for switcheroos and transferoos, and the players below are some of my favorite targets.
Double-Game Teams: None
Bye Teams: New York City FC
Goalkeepers
Jesse Gonzalez | USA Today Sports Images
Early Keeperoo: If you’re looking for a good Keeperoo option, Round 32 has many to choose from – but one of my favorites is FC Dallas’ Jesse Gonzalez ($4.9m). His low price makes him easy to work into a tight budget and with two clean sheets over his last four games, his past shutout drought seems to have come to an end. Gonzalez also has one of the best chances for a shutout in Round 32 as Orlando City (8 pm ET | Full TV & streaming info) have not scored in the last three games.
Steady Earner: The race for the Supporters’ Shield is red-hot and continued results from Atlanta United’s Brad Guzan ($6.4m) will be key to the Five Stripes’ success. Over his past four games, Guzan has earned two clean sheets and returned an average PPG of more than seven points during this same time. His chances for another high-scoring game are good as New England (3:30 pm ET | Univision – Full TV & streaming info) have struggled to score on the road.
Defenders
Road Value: If you want to capitalize on the poor home scoring form of Colorado (9 pm ET | Full TV & streaming info), then consider LAFC’s Dejan Jakovic ($6.0m). He’s frequently filled in when Danilo Silva is injured and has started in each of LAFC’s last two games. At just $6 million, he should be easy to work into most defenses and has a good shot at a clean sheet, as the Rapids have only scored one goal in their last six games.
Attacking Option: With Toronto FC mounting a last-ditch playoff push, every game they play is more important than the last. This week’s match against Vancouver (5pm ET | TSN – Full TV & streaming info) presents options for both offense and defense, so why not split the difference with Gregory van der Wiel ($7.1m)? His advanced position has helped him earn several assists this season and he’s capable of earning 3-to-4 bonus points per match. His price is high, but justified due to his high point ceiling.
Midfielders
Yamil Asad | USA Today Sports Images
Fit Again: If you need a budget starting player with a history of production, consider D.C. United’s Yamil Asad ($9.4m). He returned from injury two weeks ago and immediately made an impact, earning three assists in his past two games. Chicago’s defense may offer Asad more opportunities, as the Fire have allowed an average of 3 goals per game over their last four away games (1 pm ET | ESPN, TSN – Full TV & streaming info).
Differential: If you’re considering getting a player from Montreal this week, you’re likely targeting Ignacio Piatti ($11.3m). However, don’t overlook Saphir Taider ($10.6m). He’s owned by fewer than 1 percent of fantasy managers and for $0.7 million less you can get a player who has shown similar production over the season. He’ll likely be involved in the attack this week as the Impact need a win over Columbus (3 pm ET | TVAS – Full TV & streaming info) to protect their playoff berth.
Forwards
Ol’ Reliable: As the old saying goes, don’t look a gift horse in the mouth; Atlanta’s Josef Martinez ($13.1m) has been a gift to fantasy managers. His goal scoring has slowed over his past five games, but a return home could be just what he needs to get back on track as the Revs concede an average of nearly 2 goals per game on the road.
On Fire: If TFC manage to make it to the playoffs, it’s going to be strapped to the back of Sebastian Giovinco ($14.0m). He’s now scored a goal and/or an assist in 12 straight appearances. This week’s match against Vancouver could be lucky No. 13, as the Whitecaps concede more than 2 goals per game on the road.
WHICH PLAYERS are you considering for Round 32?
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