Thanks to a few high scoring games, Round 11 ended up being very profitable for many managers. The one player who came out on top, though, was Jon Caraco, manager of FC NIL, who earned 147 points and earned the $25 gift card to the MLS Store.
With Copa America rosters now finalized and an upcoming heavy-bye round right around the corner, many teams are about to enter a fantasy cut phase in order to remove those big name players who will be absent for the next few weeks. If you’ve not already started doing this, then I hope you have a wildcard or you may have to take some unwanted -4 point hits for too many transfers soon. These are some of the players who I think can help you lose some of that international fantasy weight.
Goalkeepers
Staying Put: If you’re in need of a goalkeeper from a more reliable defensive unit, then consider USMNT backup David Bingham ($6.1m). While the Quakes might not be as good as Colorado, Bingham has only allowed two goals over his six home games and you will not have to worry about finding a ‘keeper for the upcoming bye round.
Defenders
Double Game Week Pick: If you did not take the opportunity to transfer in Keegan Rosenberry ($5.9m) last week, then now is the time. Rosenberg is still the standout defensive point generator for the Union and he’ll have plenty of opportunity to do so, as Philly is the only DGW team this week that does not have a bye in Round 13.
Away Form: While bringing in an away player is not always an ideal transfer, LA’s Daniel Steres ($5.2m) could be worth the risk. Not only do LA actually have a better road defensive record than home, but looking ahead, they also have a good matchup in Round 13, and a DGW in Round 15.
Value Pick: If you need another low-cost option for your defense, consider picking up Tommy Redding ($4.8m). He’s not going to be a long term starter, but he should stay in the lineup while Seb Hines is recovering from his knee injury. The price – for a starter! – is hard to pass up and can easily be benched during a bye.
Midfielders
DGW Risk: If you’re willing to bring in a big-name player for just one round, then consider picking up Kaká ($11.0m). Injuries have kept him sidelined for most of the season, but his two assists last week could just be the tip of a new scoring run. With Orlando being one of the higest-scoring teams right now, he’ll have plenty of opportunities.
Playmaker: Kei Kamara is gone, but it looks like Federico Higuain ($10.5m) could be the man to replace his Fantasy points production in Columbus, if last week is anything to rely upon. While he was not able to create a goal, we saw a return of Pipa's classic, bonus-point-generating ability, which could pay off given Crew SC’s three home games over the next four rounds.
DGW Pick: If you want to add an in-form Philadelphia attacker to your team, then Chris Pontius ($7.2m) is the player to target. While others may prefer the set piece chances of Tranquillo Barnetta ($8.1m), the attack-minded Pontius has been more consistent in his scoring and has earned two goals and one assist over his last five games.
Forwards
Differential Option: International call-ups always cause a lot of frustration, but for LA, it actually makes Giovani Dos Santos ($11.3m) an attractive option. Over his past seven games, Dos Santos has racked up an impressive five goals and five assists, and – with LA missing Keane and Zardes for the next few weeks – he’s sure to be LA’s primary target man for the next several Fantasy rounds.
DGW Option: If you don’t want to invest in the Orlando midfield, then consider Cyle Larin ($9.3m). The good news is he’s scored two goals and one assist during his past three games, and he’ll NOT be leaving for Copa America. The bad news is that you’ll have to have a plan for the Round 13 bye, but at his price, he may be able to ride your bench for one week.
These are the players I think are going to stand out in Round 12 – who are you targeting?
More: MLS Fantasy Boss | MLS Fantasy Experts
