“I would rather be living in Philadelphia.”
W.C. Fields’ proposed epitaph for himself has been quoted many times in many different forms, but for MLS Fantasy managers this weekend, the Philadelphia Union and their 4-0 victory over the New England Revolution was a points bonanza.
Chris Pontius ($7.7) led the team with 14 points, and he was followed by Richie Marquez ($6.3), Fabinho ($6.7), and Andre Blake ($5.0). Pontius is already on 18 percent of fantasy rosters, so the word is out about his contributions, but if you haven’t picked him up he’s a great value at his current form.
There was a tie for best performer on the week, both from the midfield. Sean Davis ($6.3) helped Bradley Wright-Phillips ($11.4) break the New York Red Bulls’ all-time regular-season scoring record, and scored himself to earn 16 points. Nicolas Lodeiro ($11.8) followed a similar script to his 16 points, getting his first MLS goal since transferring to the Seattle Sounders, then setting up Jordan Morris ($8.4).
The rest of the Dream Team for Round 23:
The highest points total this past round was achieved by Ronan Lapping, whose New York Red Balls earned a well-above-average 110 points this time out. Captaining Wright-Phillips was worth 26 points, and he got double-digit scores from Fabinho, Ethan Finlay ($10.6), Dom Dwyer ($10.3), and David Villa ($12.3). Congratulations and enjoy your prize!
Never give a sucker an even break
As we look forward to the round ahead, let another WC Fields quote be our guiding star. Let’s find the advantages out there. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.
- The Round 24 transfer deadline is Friday, August 19 at 11 pm ET
- Eight teams do not play in round 25: Colorado, Dallas, New York City, New York, Portland, Salt Lake, Kansas City, Vancouver.
- Keep an eye on the Injury Report
With so many teams taking a bye in the next round, it’s important to make this week’s transfers with that in mind. No universal transfers coming in or out of it, so think about how to use your wildcard wisely if you have one available.
The MLS Fantasy Boss told us to go all-in on Lodeiro, and after this last round’s score I think that’s great advice as he gets used to linking up with Clint Dempsey and Morris.
One player who’s worth a look and hasn’t been mentioned yet is Steve Birnbaum ($7.9). He made the dream team last round with a goal in D.C.’s first clean sheet since Round 10, and looks like a good addition in getting through the craziness coming up.
DraftKings weekly top scorers
GK - Andre Blake (18 fantasy points)
D - Steve Birnbaum (19.5 fantasy points)
M - Ethan Finlay (34.25 fantasy points)
F - Dominic Dwyer (30.75 fantasy points)
