Unusually, the Colorado Rapids and Sporting Kansas City each playing two games did not have too large of an effect on the MLS Fantasy landscape last week, with the two clubs combining for just two goals over their four games.
Kansas City still managed to place two players on the Dream Team this week, thanks largely to their shutout on Wednesday, and no other team contributed more than one player.
Sacha Kljestan led all fantasy players with a goal, an assist and plenty of bonuses in the Red Bulls’ 3-2 defeat of Chicago. His box-to-box play has paid off in his last three appearances, and with New York on a double this upcoming round, he’s certainly going to be a popular choice.
Defensively, the Dream Team was made up of shutout defenders and Bobby Burling. His goal against D.C. United not only helped open up the race for the top seed in the Eastern Conference, but it gave him a 13-point fantasy performance on the week.
Offensively, it’s a bit of jog around the weekend’s MLS action. Kei Kamara struck twice for Columbus. Adrian Winter’s fantasy value snowballed with two goals of his own, but since he was selected by 0.0% of managers, we’ll have to embrace our discontent at missing this sleeper pick.
The 4-5-1 formation of this week’s Dream Team was fleshed out by a few more midfielders with a goal and an assist, supplemented by a handful of bonuses.
Our top performer this week, Langley City FC, chose wisely from Kansas City and had the foresight to captain Kljestan to net 104 points.
For those of you in tight battles within your fantasy leagues, this week is where you can create some separation. Six MLS teams are in action Wednesday and then again at week’s end.
New England will face New York without Jermaine Jones, who is suspended due to yellow card accumulation. New York City saw all three DPs subbed out last match, something to watch for as they host Toronto FC. San Jose take on Montreal to round out the night, two teams that are dealing with a lot of games this month.
A few things to keep in mind this week:
- The transfer deadline for Round 29 is Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
- With such a short turnaround for midweek teams, be sure to read the MLS Injury Report and the MLS Disciplinary Report very carefully.
Make it Work:
Kljestan ($10.3m) is absolutely on fire lately, so it’s no surprise he’s my pick of the week. With so many options to choose from, there’s no reason to shy away from going all in.
David Bingham
- San Jose Earthquakes - Goalkeeper ($5.8m)
- Montreal finish their swing through California on Wednesday, and I’d be surprised if the team that looked fatigued toward the end against the LA Galaxy are going to become world-beaters while spending more time in hotel rooms. The Quakes then get the in-flux New York Red Bulls.
Andrew Jacobson - New York City FC - Midfielder ($5.6m) - New York City are the only double-match team that gets two home games this round, so I’d like to shoehorn somebody in. With the club still trying to find an identity, I’m trying to stick with a budget option, and Jacobson recently opening his MLS account for the year is certainly a reason to give him a chance.
Chris Tierney - New England Revolution - Defender ($7.5m) - The Revolution looked great on the road in Toronto, and they’ll need to keep it up against two tough opponents this week. If I’m trying to hedge my bets, it’s with someone like Tierney who can throw up a 16-point performance if the mood strikes.
