MLS Fantasy Week 2 Recap: LAFC dominate for the second week in a row
By Mark Shannon
When it comes to fantasy of any kind you want to get it right quickly or your season may be over before it ever begun. But in MLS Fantasy it’s a different breed of fantasy. You could pick a diamond in the rough and he can do wonders, or you can pick a star who becomes a complete dud — Week 2 was all of that and more
It’s been a rollercoaster start to the MLS Season. That has, obviously, affected the Fantasy world. With teams being out of commission early on in the season because of CONCACAF Champions League and bye weeks, it’s made choosing your teams that much harder.
The normal players you would expect to be near the top of the standings every week like Gyasi Zardes, David Villa or Nemanja Nikolic are near the top, but what about those not so standout players like Ethan Finley, Steven Beitashour, or Philippe Senderos.
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It’s been a crazy couple of weeks for MLS Fantasy fans and with the long season ahead of us, it’s going to get even crazier. But here is a little recap of the week that was in MLS Fantasy and where everyone stands.
Team of the Week
Three Hits and Misses
Hit: LAFC Offence
It’s been two weeks and there are no signs that the LAFC offence is going to slow down. Diego Rossi is on fire, scoring three times in two games this season, while Carlos Vela is already putting his stamp on MLS as the expansion team’s Designated Player and face of the franchise.
Miss: Albert Rusnak
After a standout week in the first week of action, Albert Rusnak struggled in the second game against a strong LAFC side. Real Salt Lake need his ability if they expect to compete for a playoff spot in the end.
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Hit: Gyasi Zardes & Federico Higuain
Two games and two wins for the Columbus Crew and both players have scored in both games. Gyasi Zardes now has three goals on the season, while Federico Higuain has two. If the Crew want to continue their success, they’re going to need these two to continue their offensive output.
Miss: Tim Melia
Sporting Kansas City were expected to be near the top of MLS standings. But through two games, they have struggled. Four points through the first two games isn’t a horrible record, and some of that blame can be put on the defence, but SKC need Melia to be better.
Hit: Atlanta United
Their first game they were blown out, but in true Atlanta United fashion they followed that up with a strong effort against D.C. United. Their stars should shine as ever with the blistering pace of arguably the best attack in the league.
Miss: Fanendo Adi
Where has the offence from Fanendo Adi gone? While the loss to New York can’t be blamed on him, there’s no offence coming from the Timbers colectively, and he was expected to shoulder that load. He hasn’t lived up to that yet.
Three Players to Pick Up
Carlos Rivas
After being picked up in the Sacha Kljestan trade, Rivas has been good throughout the first few games he’s played in a Red Bulls uniform. The Red Bulls have the defensively inept Real Salt Lake who were just blown out by LAFC – Rivas could be in for another big outing.
Gyasi Zardes
If you haven’t done so already, maybe you should get on the Zardes bandwagon. He has three goals through three games, and the Crew take on the Union on Saturday. That could be another big game for him.
Joao Plata
Two games and two goals for the diminutive midfielder and he seems like he’s the only offensive option for RSL. Real Salt Lake have a tough matchup against the Red Bulls, but Joao Plata could find some space behind the defence to add his third goal of the season.
MLS Multiplex Fantasy league Update
| Rank | TEAM NAME | Weekly Points | Season Points |
| 1. | HICKENHOPPER FC – Hicks | 69 | 150 |
| 2. | KING BALING FC – Napi | 59 | 142 |
| 3. | WORLD CUP OF LOSERS – DiBernardo | 62 | 131 |
| 4. | THE GREAT REDS – Shannon | 70 | 125 |
| 5. | ELIJAH WOOD SC – Miller | 80 | 124 |
| 6. | 1 IF BY MORRIS 2 IF BY ROLDAN – Reynolds | 61 | 121 |
| 7. | TOO MUTCH REYNA – McClelland | 53 | 121 |
| 8. | WIGGUM – Walden | 62 | 119 |
| 9. | LALLANA LLAMAS – Herrera | 58 | 118 |
| 10. | SPORTING REAL GENERIC UNITED – F | 68 | 116 |
It was a big week for Elijah Wood SC as they climbed the standings with the best weekly points total and not far behind were Marsch’s High Press IPA (74) and The Great Reds (70).
Next: Atlanta United: 5 things we learned in DC United win
It’s going to be an exciting MLS fantasy season with a lot of teams moving up and down the standings with big weeks.