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MLS Fantasy Soccer 2021 GW7

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The seventh round of MLS Fantasy Soccer is the last chance for any managers trying to reach the top 50 in the first stage of Champions League qualifying. Vancouver Whitecaps are on a bye week and beware of players missing out due to international callups.

Goalkeeper

Must Have

Despite conceding a late penalty against Atlanta United, Stefan Cleveland (Seattle Sounders) is still ideal for the second part of a keeperoo as the Sounders face Austin FC at home.

Think About

Other reasonably priced keepers with decent home games are Bobby Shuttleworth (Chicago Fire), Tim Melia (Sporting Kansas City) and whoever starts for Real Salt Lake in the absence of David Ochoa.

Defenders

Strongly Consider

Again, Seattle defenders should be in your thoughts. Brad Smith and Alex Roldan are obvious choices.

Another defender with attacking potential is Brooks Lennon (Atlanta United). Despite missing out on a clean sheet at Seattle last week, Lennon picked up points for earning a penalty, key passes and crosses.

Think About

Other teams to look at for defensive options include Columbus Crew, Philadelphia Union, Sporting Kansas City and don’t rule out Nashville despite an away game at Atlanta.

Midfield

Must Have

Averaging more than 10 points per game, Carles Gil (New England Revolution) is the best midfielder in the game at the moment. He should be able to create opportunities against FC Cincinatti.

Strongly Consider

Many of the usual big hitters such as Eduard Atuesta (LAFC), Jamiro Monteiro (Philadelphia Union) and Joao Paulo (Seattle Sounders) have favourable home fixtures and should prove to be solid choices this week.

Think About

He hasn’t brought many returns away from home (other than two attacking points last week) but Caden Clark has managed three goals and an assist in three homes games – and he’s at home this week. With an early fixture he could be a useful bench option.

Beware

While his numbers may look impressive, Lucas Zelarayan is part of a Columbus Crew that isn’t delivering from open play. He may pick up some bonus points but don’t rely on him scoring free-kicks every week.

Forwards

Strongly Consider

With a plethora of striking options this week, selecting the right front three is essential.

Raul Ruidiaz continues to be a good choice if you haven’t used your Seattle allocation elsewhere.

LAFC have Carlos Vela back but he was outscored by Diego Rossi last week. If you’re looking to make up ground to reach the top 50 then don’t rule out doubling up for the game against NYCFC.

Think About

Chicharito (LA Galaxy) will like his chances of at least one goal against San Jose Earthquakes. However, if you prefer a striker who will provide points even if they don’t hit the target, then consider Alan Pulido (Sporting Kansas City) or Gustavo Bou (New England Revolution) instead.

If Pulido is out of your price range, consider his teammate, Daniel Salloi, as a cheaper alternative. The Hungarian has scores of 10 and 12 in his last two games and is still only $6.6m.

And don’t forget about Rubio Rubin (Real Salt Lake) who scored again last week.

MLS Fantasy Soccer 2021 GW6

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After the triumph/trauma (delete as appropriate) of the first double gameweek of the season, we’re back to a more regular schedule for the latest round of MLS Fantasy Soccer. This time, it’s Minnesota United with the bye week.

Goalkeepers

Strongly Consider

For a total of just $8.9m, a keeperoo with Stefan Cleveland (Seattle Sounders) and Logan Ketterer (Portland Timbers), looks like great value.

For anyone not convinced by that approach, look at Phelipe Megiolaro (FC Dallas), Joe Willis (Nashville SC) or whoever starts for CF Montreal.

Defenders

Must Have

Brad Smith (Seattle Sounders) – goal threat, clean sheet chance. Buy him.

Strongly Consider

Doubling up on Seattle defenders wouldn’t be a bad idea. Consider Alex Roldan who has two assists in addition to four clean sheets this season.

A home match against Columbus Crew wouldn’t normally be seen as a great clean sheet opportunity. But the Crew’s poor recent attacking numbers mean that, if fit, Anton Tinnerholm (New York City FC) could provide a shut out in addition to his regular attacking production.

Think About

This looks (on paper anyway) to be one of the better weeks for clean sheet hunting. Other teams to consider include FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, New England Revolution and Nashville SC, who are returning to last season’s level of reliability.

Midfield

Must Have

Carles Gil (New England Revolution) is the standout premium midfielder this week. Assuming he plays centrally, a double figure return isn’t out of the question. He’s also a potential captain.

Think About

Deciding on which three Seattle players to go with is one of this week’s big decisions. Joao Paulo and Cristian Roldan should be in the mix.

Jesus Medina (New York City FC) has made an excellent start to the season but, unlike many of the top midfielders, he is goal dependent and doesn’t generate as many bonus points.

Nashville SC pair, Randall Leal and Hany Mukhtar play in the last fixture, at home to Austin FC. Put one in your lineup and wait and see how your bench works out.

Possible midfield bench options include Yimmi Chara (Portland Timbers) and Djordje Mihailovic (CF Montreal). 

Forwards

Strongly Consider

Raul Ruidiaz (Seattle Sounders) has four goals and an assist in three home games. He’s an obvious choice this week as the Sounders welcome Atlanta United.

Think About

Chicharito (LA Galaxy) is always a goal threat and will like his chances of managing at least one at Portland Timbers.

At just $5.2m, Bjorn Johnsen (CF Montreal) could be the bargain of the weekend. After two goals in Miami last week, he’s an ideal candidate for the bench in the first match of the gameweek v FC Cincinnati.

Other strikers who should be in your thoughts are Romell Quioto (CF Montreal), Valentin Castellanos (New York City FC) and Alan Pulido (Sporting Kansas City).

Beware

Carlos Vela (LAFC) is on the way back to fitness, making an appearance from the bench against Seattle last time. Be ready to change your lineup if you want to accommodate him should he start against Colorado Rapids.

MLS Fantasy Soccer 2021 GW5

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It’s here – the first double gameweek of the MLS Fantasy Soccer season. There are twenty matches with thirteen teams playing twice but remember that only the higher fantasy score will count for any player with double fixtures.

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

Assuming he’s selected, Alex Bono (Toronto FC) will have two fixtures played before some of the SGW teams have kicked-off. That means three clean sheet possibilities for anyone including Bono in a keeperoo.

Think About

Bono could be paired up with SGW options including William Yarbrough (Colorado Rapids), Brad Guzan (Atlanta United) and David Ochoa (Real Salt Lake).

If Bono isn’t for you, then other DGW keeper options include Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union), John McCarthy (Inter Miami), and Dayne St Clair (Minnesota United).

Defenders

Must Have

While Seattle Sounders conceded a late goal in Portland, Brad Smith had already been subbed, meaning he bagged his third clean sheet of the season to go with two goals and an assist. He has managed 11 shots (second only to Raul Ruidiaz for the Sounders) and is the highest scoring player in the game.

Strongly Consider

Philadelphia Union have two home games this round and Kai Wagner is averaging 7.5 points per game, helped by a clean sheet and an assist in Chicago last time out.

He only has one match this week but that’s usually enough for Anton Tinnerholm (NYCFC). The Swede is a threat at both ends of the field and will hope to take advantage of any tiredness or rotation in a Toronto side who will be playing their second game in less than 72 hours. But take note – at the time of writing, Rotowire have Tinnerholm’s participation as ‘questionable’

Think About

DC United coverage could be an inexpensive way into a defence with two home matches.

Midfield

Strongly Consider

With another three months before they need to think about Concacaf Champions League, Philadelphia Union and Jamiro Monteiro will hope to improve on their inconsistent start to the season.

Think About

Emanuel Reynoso (Minnesota United) returned 15 points last week despite his team’s defeat at Colorado. Hopefully two home games (against Vancouver Whitecaps and FC Dallas) will provide opportunities for another big score.

Lucas Zelarayan (Columbus Crew) scored a stunning free-kick last week against DC United and managed five bonus points for passing, crosses, recoveries and drawing fouls. The only possible concern is a lack of productivity when it comes to goal and assists from open play.

From the SGW midfielders, Jesus Medina (New York City FC) has three goals already this season and faces Toronto FC at home.

Forwards

Strongly Consider

After scoring his fifth goal of the season at the weekend, Raul Ruidiaz (Seattle Sounders) will expect more against San Jose Earthquakes and LAFC.

Chicharito (LA Galaxy) inspired his side to victory in El Trafico and could produce a similar performance against Austin FC.

Think About

He was upstaged by Chris Wondolowski last week, but Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes) is worth another look for the DGW.

Anyone who ignored Cowell last week in favour of Rubio Rubin would have been delighted as Rubio scored against San Jose with a spectacular overhead kick. This week he faces a Nashville SC side whose defence is now looking more like it did last season.

And is Josef Martinez back? The Atlanta United striker managed his first goal since 2019 in the game at Inter Miami and has a decent home fixture against CF Montreal.

MLS Fantasy Soccer 2021 GW4

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We have three of the league’s biggest rivalries, some promising young players becoming almost essential choices and teams trying to cope with the impact of Champions League participation on their regular season. It’s gameweek four of MLS Fantasy Soccer.

Goalkeepers

Think About

David Ochoa (Real Salt Lake) is yet to keep a clean sheet this season but at $4.6m he’s worth a punt in the opening match against San Jose Earthquakes.

Carlos Coronel (New York Red Bulls) is slightly more expensive at $5.4m but managed 10 points against Chicago Fire last week and is at home once again.

From the later kick-offs, William Yarbrough (Colorado Rapids) has managed double figures twice this season already and has a home game against Minnesota United.

For a cheaper alternative, look at Phelipe Megiolaro (FC Dallas) or Sporting Kansas City’s John Pulskamp.

Defenders

Strongly Consider

Averaging seven points per game, Andrew Gutman has made an impressive start to his New York Red Bulls career. He’s worth at least a bench spot against Toronto FC.

There was no clean sheet for Vancouver Whitecaps last week, but Carlos Gutierrez still managed a solid six points thanks to bonuses for passing and crossing.

Bressan (FC Dallas) scored last week, has clean sheet potential and should be in your thoughts ahead of the Texas Derby with Houston Dynamo.

Think About

Columbus Crew may have one eye on CCL but they haven’t conceded in their two league games so far and could continue that run against DC United. Some Columbus coverage wouldn’t be a bad idea.

Either side of a 3-1 home defeat to Austin FC, Colorado Rapids have kept two shut outs on the road. This time they face struggling Minnesota United.

Midfield

Strongly Consider

A CCL suspension means that Lucas Zelarayan (Columbus Crew) will be fresh and less of a rotation risk against DC United.

Carles Gil (New England Revolution) produced a mammoth 17 points last week and is averaging nearly 11 for the season. A trip to Nashville SC won’t be easy but he has to be in contention.

Caden Clark (New York Red Bulls) would be a sensible choice this week. He’s scored in each of his two home games this season and is still under $6.0m.

Chicago Fire’s Luka Stojanovic has also found the net twice and has also provided one assist. He could be a decent early bench option when he faces Philadelphia Union.

Think About

Nani (Orlando City) has reached double figures for two straight games and has another home game, this time against New York City FC.

With a goal, two assists and 15 fantasy points last week, Damir Kreilach (Real Salt Lake) is a man in form.

Forwards

Strongly Consider

Cade Cowell (San Jose Earthquakes) continues to impress and playing the first game of the round makes him an ideal bench selection.

Alternatively, Rubio Rubin (Real Salt Lake) is up against Cowell and has fantasy scores of 11 and 13 so far.

Think About

Raul Ruidiaz (Seattle Sounders) has two doubles already in 2021 and visits a Portland Timbers side who haven’t started the MLS season well, losing heavily at FC Dallas last week.

Other strikers worth some thought this week include Chicharito (LA Galaxy), Gonzalo Higuian (Inter Miami) and Robert Beric (Chicago Fire).

MLS Fantasy Soccer 2021 GW3

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The third week of the MLS Fantasy Soccer season will be an interesting one. There are a few hard to call matches, made even more difficult by some surprising results last week and five teams being in the middle of Concacaf Champions League ties.

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

Pedro Gallese (Orlando City) seems like an obvious choice as the Lions have a home game against FC Cincinnati, who looked poor at NYCFC last week.

Think About

Matt Turner (New England Revolution) and Phelipe Megiolaro (FC Dallas) face Portland and Atlanta, both of whom played midweek. The Revs and Dallas already have a clean sheet each this season. Megiolaro is likely to start in place of the injured Jimmy Maurer.

As part of a keeperoo with Gallese, Turner or Megiolaro, JT Marcinkowski (San Jose Earthquakes) and Stefan Frei (Seattle Sounders) have decent home fixtures later in the gameweek.

Defenders

Strongly Consider

Double Orlando coverage at the back seems like a plan this week. Consider Ruan ($5.7m) or Rodrigo Schlegel ($5.5m) …or both if you don’t select Gallese.

Think About

As with the keepers, consider New England and FC Dallas options. And don’t rule out some Seattle Sounders coverage.

For a potential bargain, look at Cristian Gutierrez. The Vancouver Whitecaps defender is only $5.5m but has 21 points in two games – including a clean sheet and two assists.

Beware

Before the season kicked off, Minnesota United and Nashville SC looked like sound defensive units. So far it hasn’t turned out that way, so perhaps it’s best to give both defences a miss this time.

Midfield

Strongly Consider

There are so many options in this area of the field. Take at least three from Carles Gil (New England Revolution), Jamiro Monteiro (Philadelphia Union), Emanuel Reynoso (Minnesota United), Randall Leal (Nashville SC), Eduard Atuesta (LAFC) and Nani (Orlando City).

Think About

Caden Clark (New York Red Bulls) and Luka Stojanovic (Chicago Fire) meet in the opening game of the round. Either could be great bench option at $5.2m and $5.5m.

Forwards

Must Have

Raul Ruidiaz (Seattle Sounders) has a home game against LA Galaxy and is a good shout to add to his two goals already this season. He’s also a strong captaincy option.

Strongly Consider

A 13-point showing for San Jose Earthquakes against FC Dallas highlighted Cade Cowell’s potential. With another home game coming up, this time against DC United, he’s worth at least a place on the bench

Think About

It’s nice to see Austin FC players already showing their fantasy potential. After a double at Colorado last week, Cecilio Dominguez is worth consideration.

A rejuvenated Chicharito (LA Galaxy) has five goals in two starts, though he might find Seattle’s defence tougher than his other opposition this season.

Don’t rule out one of the CF Montreal pair, Mason Toye and Romell Quioto or Nashville’s Jhonder Cadiz, who has two goals in two appearances.

Beware

Gonzalo Higuain (Inter Miami) will be missing due to a family bereavement.

MLS Fantasy Soccer 2021 GW2

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One gameweek down and it feels like MLS Fantasy Soccer has never been away. As we look forward to the next round of fixtures, remember that the five MLS teams still in the Concacaf Champions League have quarter-final ties next midweek – so be prepared for possible rotation.

Goalkeeper

Must Have

If you’re running a keeperoo then John Pulskamp (Sporting Kansas City) needs to be a part of it. The 19-year-old stepped in for the injured Tim Melia last week and plays in the first match of the week, at home to Orlando. He’s only $4.2m.

Think About

For your other keeper, consider Brad Guzan (Atlanta United), Andre Blake (Philadelphia Union), Matt Turner (New England Revolution) or Joe Willis (Nashville SC)

Defenders

Strongly Consider

Anton Tinnerholm (New York City FC) is expensive in defensive terms but his price is justified given his attacking threat.

Colorado Rapids managed a clean sheet at FC Dallas last week and could do the same at home to Austin FC. Danny Wilson is only $5.0m and provided seven points last week. The more expensive Keegan Rosenberry ($6.5m) managed nine points in the same game.

Think About

New England have a decent home fixture against DC United with Brandon Bye a bargain at $4.4m. He has defensive and attacking points potential.

Don’t rule out Nashville SC defensive options either. The two early goals conceded at home to FC Cincinnati last week were the visitors’ only shots on target and CF Montreal won’t have it as easy as they did against Toronto FC.

Midfield

Must Have

Randall Leal (Nashville SC) produced a massive 15 points last week, outscoring his more expensive team-mate, Hany Mukhtar. Get Leal in the line-up against Montreal.

Strongly Consider

There’s much to love about a midfielder who scores big fantasy returns without goals and assists. Emanuel Reynoso (Minnesota United) and Jack Price (Colorado Rapids) achieved that in gameweek one, managing eight and seven points respectively. If only choosing one, go with Reynoso’s greater attacking potential after he managed five shots in the defeat at Seattle.

And don’t forget about Carles Gil. After nine points in Chicago, the Spanish midfielder could manage a similar return at home to New England Revolution.

Think About

Caden Clark (New York Red Bulls) continues to impress and is only $5.0m for the trip to LA Galaxy. A great bench option.

Forwards

Strongly Consider

Kacper Przybylko (Philadelphia Union) was a consistent goalscorer and fantasy asset in 2020. Assuming he gets decent gametime against Inter Miami (and isn’t rested for the CCL tie) he should be confident of getting his first goal or goals of the season.

Gustavo Bou (New England Revolution) is already off the mark this season. His link up with Gil is crucial for the Revs and a home match against DC United is a decent opportunity for more points.

Think About

Chicharito (LA Galaxy) managed a double against Inter Miami and looks a player reborn after a horrible debut season in MLS – even if his second goal was a result of poor goalkeeping. If he continues to hit the net, he could be a huge fantasy player this year.

Beware

He’s usually a must have player but managers need to be careful with Carlos Vela (LAFC) this week. He is reportedly fit after the substitution fiasco last week but it would be natural to be concerned about him breaking down again. And another poor week could harm anyone look to build team value in the opening weeks of the season.

MLS Fantasy Soccer 2021 GW1

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The opening gameweek of the 2021 MLS Fantasy Soccer season should be an interesting one. In addition to a number of the top sides facing off against each other, there’s the unknown quantity that is Austin FC who are embarking on their debut season in the league.

Will fantasy managers pack their squads with established MLS stars? Or will there be room for some new signings? Whatever your approach, don’t be afraid to take a risk or two – it’s gameweek one, so there’s plenty of time to catch up if some of your signings don’t work out.

Goalkeepers

Strongly Consider

When it comes to keepers, there is often little difference in the points returns of the premium players and their less expensive colleagues. So, it might be wise to avoid the top of the range $6.0m goalies and save some funds for other parts of your squad.

Kenneth Vermeer (LAFC), Quentin Westberg (Toronto FC) and Jimmy Maurer (FC Dallas) are all slightly cheaper options with decent fixtures.

Defenders

Strongly Consider

Nashville SC were one of last season’s defensive success stories. Walker Zimmerman has clean sheet potential at home to FC Cincinnati.

Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew) has a tough opening fixture against Philadelphia but provides points even when his team don’t keep a clean sheet. He’s usually worth the additional cost.

Think About

Portland Timbers have two new full-backs in Claudio Bravo and Josecarlos van Rankin. Both have attacking possibilities and maybe the chance of a clean sheet when they travel to Vancouver.

Midfield

Strongly Consider

Alejandro Pozuelo (Toronto FC) should once again be a contender for the highest scoring fantasy player. At the time of writing he isn’t confirmed as fit but, assuming he makes it, a game against Club de Foot Montreal provides a great chance for a big early score.

Think About

A fully fit Lucas Zelarayan (Columbus Crew) should rival Pozuelo and Nicolas Lodeiro (more about him in a minute) as the top fantasy midfielder but, as mentioned above, the Crew don’t have the easiest start.

Carles Gil could prove to be a better option away to Chicago Fire and don’t forget Lewis Morgan (Inter Miami) or Diego Valeri and Yimmi Chara (both Portland Timbers).

There is also some great value in the middle of the park. Look at Chris Mueller (Orlando City), Freddy Vargas (FC Dallas) or the Sporting Kansas City pair Gadi Kinda and Gianluca Busio – all cost $7.5m or less.

Avoid

For anyone who wasn’t aware, Nicolas Lodeiro (Seattle Sounders) is injured. Reports on his potential absence range from ‘day to day’ to 3-4 weeks.

Forwards

Must Have

He didn’t see much playing time in 2020 so Carlos Vela (LAFC) will be looking to make up for lost time. He should be a popular captain choice as he faces Austin FC.

Think About

There are a number of potential bargains when looking for second and third striking options. If Seattle go with a 3-5-2 then at least one of Freddy Montero ($6.5m) or Will Bruin ($5.5m) will start.

MLS veterans Max Urruti and Chris Wondolowski are $7.0m and $5.5m but if you’re looking for a really cheap bench option, then Urruti’s teammate, Ariel Lassiter, costs just $4.5m – but remember to check the lineups.

8 Questions for MLS Fantasy Managers

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Gameweek one of the MLS season is fast approaching. Now that the game is live, fantasy managers are planning their teams and hoping they are at the start of a successful season.

Ahead of the big kick-off, here are some fantasy related questions for managers to consider.

Columbus Attack – Time to Double Up?

Last year, Columbus Crew weren’t short of attacking options. Gyasi Zardes is always a threat, Pedro Santos was consistently impressive and while injury hampered Lucas Zelarayan’s season, he came good (very good) in the MLS Cup final.

The close season additions of Kevin Molino and Bradley Wright-Phillips mean that the Crew are now stronger in forward positions than in their championship season. So, for some favourable fixtures, will one Columbus attacker not be enough?

Lewis Morgan: One Season Wonder?

While Inter Miami’s debut season was not what they had hoped for, the form of Lewis Morgan was one of their few highlights. He finished 2020 on 149 fantasy points, the joint highest score in the game.

Time will tell whether he can achieve similar success this year. He has the talent but with a new manager, new additions to the squad, a longer season and competition for points from the Higuain brothers and Rodolfo Pizzaro amongst others, it may not be straightforward.

The Clean Sheet Kings?

During the shortened 2020 MLS season, four teams (Columbus, Nashville, Philadephia and Toronto) finished top of the clean sheet pile, managing nine each.

Will one of those four achieve the must shut outs again? Or will one of the LA teams improve on last season’s poor defensive displays? Or will Gabriel Heinze make Atlanta United players essential for defensive coverage?

Must Have Young Player?

The arrival of Brenner at FC Cincinnati has already attracted plenty of coverage and he appears to be a solid fantasy option. But there are a number of other young players who proved their worth in MLS last season and could provide regular returns.

Ayo Akinola (Toronto FC) and Caden Clark (New York Red Bulls) were amongst the goals last season and any managers who selected Anthony Fontana (Philadelphia Union) will know who useful he was as a bargain option from the bench.

Is this Valeri’s Swansong?

Diego Valeri is one of the all-time greats in MLS but, as El Maestro approaches his 35th birthday, his best days are surely behind him.

Sebastian Blanco’s injury meant that Valeri continued to be Portland’s main playmaker throughout last season. But, with Blanco’s imminent return and the emergence of Yimmy Chara, will 2021 finally be the year when Valeri becomes less relevant in fantasy terms.

Does the Absence of Jordan Morris Harm Lodeiro?

Nicolas Lodeiro has been one of the big hitters in MLS Fantasy in recent years but what impact will the absence of Jordan Morris have on the Seattle Sounders midfielder?

Will this make life easier for managers who want to double up on Seattle attackers? With no Morris, selecting Raul Ruidiaz could, in theory, be an easier decision. Or, without the pace and movement of Morris, could Lodeiro’s points potential suffer?

Will any Returning Stars Shine?

Victor Vazquez and Lucho Acosta previously had successful spells in MLS with Toronto FC and DC United respectively. After playing abroad, both are back – Vazquez at LA Galaxy and Acosta at FC Cincinnati.

Will one or both produce returns similar to those first time around? Vazquez is now 34 years old and may not be an automatic starter. Acosta, on the other hand, is still only 26 and may have his best years ahead of him.

Do Austin FC have Fantasy Potential?

The league’s newest side have an interesting mix of familiar MLS faces and exciting new talent – but who, if anyone, will be a consistent fantasy scorer?

Cecilio Dominguez and Tomas Pochettino have attacking potential, but could they be upstaged by Alexander Ring? The Finnish midfielder was a solid performer during four years with New York City FC and could pick up bonus points playing further back than his highly rated colleagues.

MLS Fantasy Soccer 2021 – New Signings

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Now that MLS have (finally) published a full set of fixtures for the 2021 season, hopefully the fantasy game will soon go live.

While we don’t yet know the full format for this year’, it doesn’t stop managers planning for the opening gameweek of the season. Here are just a few of the newcomers who may be worth considering in the months ahead.

Brenner (FC Cincinnati)

The 21-year-old from Brazil is arguably the most hyped up signing off the close season. After 11 goals and three assists in the league in 2020 he was linked with clubs in Europe, but instead he’ll be aiming to lead the orange and blue to the play-offs for the first time.

Alexandre Pato (Orlando)

Once hailed as the future of Brazilian football, the former Milan striker’s career perhaps hasn’t reached the heights some thought it would. However, he should have the quality to make his mark in MLS and has already found the net during pre-season.

Tomas Pochettino (Austin)

Pochettino is an Argentine ‘number 10’ with goal and assist potential and could be Austin’s best fantasy option. However, he may not produce immediately as the new boys face a run of SEVEN straight away games.

Kim Moon-Hwan (LAFC)

LAFC’s new right-back showed his attacking capabilities in his early career in South Korea’s second tier. If he can produce similar results as part of a solid defence, he could prove to be one of the bargains of the season.

Bjorn Johnsen (Montreal)

Johnsen has played in Norway, Spain, Portugal, Bulgaria, Scotland, South Korea and had a particularly successful season in the Eredivisie with Ado Den Haag. At 6 feet 5 he should prove a handful for defenders and provide competition for Romell Quioto, Mason Toye and fellow new signing Erik Hurtado.

Arnor Ingvi Traustason (New England)

The Icelandic winger/midfielder has played in a number of European leagues as well featuring in Euro 2016 and making a very brief World Cup appearance in 2018. If he can start regularly in a team featuring Carles Gil and Gustavo Bou he should be capable of racking up fantasy points.

Lisandro Lopez (Atlanta)

At 38 years old, Lopez is very much at the veteran stage and will most likely be in a supporting role to a fully fit Josef Martinez. But a player of his pedigree (his career includes successful spells at FC Porto and Lyon) could prove to be a useful third striker or bench option.

MLS Fantasy Soccer 2020 GW14

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We’ve made it – the final week of the MLS Fantasy Soccer Season. A season that started in February is finally coming to an end.

For managers it’s the last chance to make a big climb up the standings or to cement a strong overall rank. With so many teams having so much to play for, there are plenty of great options this week, including twelve teams with a double gameweek.

Goalkeeper

Strongly Consider

The fixtures have bee kindn once again to anyone looking to play a keeperoo. Select Pedro Gallese (Orlando City), Joe Willis (Nashville SC) or Eloy Room (Columbus Crew) and have two shots at a clean sheet before some of the single gameweek keepers have taken to the field.

Think About

Tim Melia (Sporting KC) is one of those backup keepers worth thinking about.

Defenders

Strongly Consider

Nashville SC have managed nine clean sheets in this shortened season. Give serious thought to Walker Zimmerman or, if you’re budget doesn’t extend that far, Dave Romney.

With a home fixture against FC Cincinnati, Inter Miami appear to be one of the better SGW options. Leandro Gonzalez Pirez is a very reasonable $6.1m.

Think About

Portland Timbers and Seattle Sounders coverage could be useful as both aim to finish as top seed in the Western Conference.

Despite a tricky match at home to New England Revolution, don’t rule out a Philadelphia Union defender either.

Midfield

Must Have

Nicolas Lodeiro (Seattle Sounders) has double digit returns in four of his last seven fixtures and two favourable match ups – simple.

Strongly Consider

Diego Valerio (Portland Timbers), Pedro Santos (Columbus Crew), Alejandro Pozuelo (Toronto FC) and Lewis Morgan (Inter Miami) are obvious choices but consistently manage big scores.

Randall Leal’s form has improved significantly over the past four weeks, providing fantasy returns of 14, 6, 10 and 6. Games against FC Dallas (home) and Orlando City (away) provide two decent opportunities for more from the Nashville midfielder.

Think About

Chris Mueller (Orlando City) has had an impressive season with six goals and six assists. He also managed 10 points last time out against Atlanta United.

In his past two games, Yimmi Chara (Portland Timbers) has fantasy scores of 15 (including four assists) and 9 and could be a differential option.

There haven’t been many genuine fantasy options from DC United this season but Julian Gressel and Yamil Asad have recently shown signs of the form that made them so important in previous years.

Forwards

Strongly Consider

With five goals and three assists from his last six games, Raul Ruidiaz (Seattle Sounders) continues to be one of the most effective strikers in the game.

He’s went under the radar for much of the season but Robert Beric (Chicago Fire) is a consistent scorer with 8 goals from 11 games.

While doubts remain about Carlos Vela’s gametime, Diego Rossi is the best LAFC attacking option.

Beware

For much of the season Kacper Przybylko (Philadelphia Union) and Gyasi Zardes (Columbus Crew) would have been amongst the first players included in many fantasy teams. However, inconsistent form means that they are now a bit of a gamble. Take one, but not both.