This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
We've got a six-game slate for DraftKings' MLS contests on Saturday, which doesn't include a few of the bigger names like Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore, Lloyd Sam, David Villa and Giles Barnes, among others.However, there are still plenty of solid plays Saturday. Here's the schedule:
Real Salt Lake at Chicago Fire - 3:00 p.m. EDT
Portland Timbers at Montreal Impact - 4:00 p.m. EDT
Sporting Kansas City at D.C. United - 7:00 p.m. EDT
Philadelphia Union at Vancouver Whitecaps - 7:00 p.m. EDT
Seattle Sounders at Columbus Crew - 7:30 p.m. EDT
Los Angeles Galaxy at FC Dallas - 8:30 p.m. EDT
And with that out of the way, here are some picks to help you navigate the player pool:
Goalkeepers
Adam Kwarasey ($4,600)
The Timbers' offense may be struggling, but they are playing some downright impressive defense. MLS-newcomer Kwarasey benefits from having two of Major League Soccer's most experienced center backs in front of him, Nat Borchers and Liam Ridgewell, but he can pull his own weight when called upon as evidenced several weeks ago in Portland's match at Yankee Stadium. The next two weeks were the defenders' time to shine, as only five shots on target were conceded to Seattle and Vancouver combined. Kwarasey has only allowed eight goals in nine matches and is just one clean sheet away from the league-lead. Montreal is a bit of an enigma coming back into MLS play after a month off for CONCACAF Champions League disappointment, but the Timbers should be able to handle even a good Impact performance. With a price in the middle of the goalkeeping pack, Kwarasey presents us with a safe value play.
Sean Johnson ($4,600)
If you had picked every keeper facing Real Salt Lake since DraftKings adopted MLS tournaments, you likely did fairly well. Their only tally in the last five games came thanks to a Victor Bernardez own goal, and star midfielder Javier Morales (concussion) will again miss out. Chicago has shown they can keep teams off the board, with two clean sheets in their last three matches, and US National Team pool player Johnson is their greatest defensive asset. Unfortunately, home matches are more depressing than motivational for the Fire due to a lackluster crowd, and Johnson's back line is not as solid as Kwarasey's, so for the same salary he is a slightly less attractive play.
Dan Kennedy ($4,000)
Kennedy makes for an intriguing play this week. While most competitors on DraftKings will see Los Angeles coming to town and look elsewhere, the Dallas defense will not be intimidated. The Galaxy has been less-than-stellar offensively this season thanks to the absence of Robbie Keane (groin) and will be working on less rest than a typical game week. Kennedy knows the Galaxy well from his time spent carrying Chivas USA, and he will be motivated to finally face them while plying his trade for a legitimate MLS team rather than a laughing stock. The price is right at just $4,000 for a keeper on one of the league's best sides playing in a home match, but be sure to check the team sheet before locking in your lineup. If manager Oscar Pareja opts to play Chris Seitz in goal, he is a relatively similar viable option.
Other Keepers to Consider: Evan Bush ($4,500), David Ousted ($5,000)
Defenders
Joevin Jones ($3,900)
Before last week, Jones had five straight double-digit point efforts. Against Real Salt Lake, he is a good bet to get back to that productive level. Plenty of attacking room will be available on RSL's wings and Jones never thinks twice about making an overlapping run into the offensive third. David Accam's suspension might be a bonus for Jones, who had looked more active prior to adding the equally speedy winger. It cannot be mentioned enough how truly poor Salt Lake has been offensively, and Jones should benefit with a nice opportunity for clean sheet points. Jordan Allen, RSL forward eligible as a defender on DraftKings, could be the popular play in this game, but for my money, Jones presents just as much value at both ends of the pitch.
Alvas Powell ($4,000)
Powell makes a repeat appearance in this column thanks to a fortuitous match up against Montreal. His pace and attacking mindset will be well suited to get up the field and support the struggling Timbers offense. Although Powell's DraftKings outputs haven't been impressive to date, he does have at least seven points in six of nine matches this season. Possession is key if Powell is to unlock his greater potential, and the Timbers might finally be in for a match that will favor them in that regard. Powell will get a boost if Fanendo Adi starts and can provide an aerial threat for crosses while presenting quality hold up play atop the formation. While many top defensive options face tough opponents this weekend, Powell has a plus matchup for owners willing to place their faith in him once again.
Sam Adekugbe ($3,500)
Vancouver is the likeliest team to keep a clean sheet this week with a home match against the Union. Assuming he starts at fullback, Adekugbe is a great value play with added offensive potential. The young defender is still finding his footing in the league, but he is quick and can link up well with the Whitecaps' midfield. When the game flow permits, Adekugbe is not hesitant to push the play and fire in crosses, like the five he lobbed in against Columbus earlier this season, but the production here is admittedly inconsistent. His floor is not as high as some of the more popular plays but a great match up more than makes up for it. In a Saturday slate with a smorgasbord of pricey offensive options, Adekugbe could be exactly the affordable player you need to round out a roster.
Other Defenders to Consider: Waylon Francis ($4,300), Sean Franklin ($4,800), Demar Phillips ($4,200).
Midfielders
Pedro Morales ($8,600)
If you can fit him into your budget, 'Porales' is the top midfield option this Saturday. He should bounce back rapidly from the lone DraftKings point he scored against Portland last week, taking advantage of a weak Union side. A healthy dose of shots and crosses helps to make Morales a viable option even if he doesn't get a goal or assist, but being blanked this week would be a great disappointment. It's odd that for all of Vancouver's perceived attacking prowess, they really don't have another viable midfield option to play on DraftKings, making Morales that much more of a must-play. That said, squeezing his salary in will come at the expense of an additional expensive forward, so tough decisions loom.
Ignacio Piatti ($6,500)
Piatti will always be a viable option, regardless of opponent. The Argentine is one of Major League Soccer's most skilled dribblers and he is built for the highlight reel. During the CCL final, many claimed that Piatti was the best player on the field -- for either side. That is quite a statement given the talent on Club America. Shooting is instinctual for Piatti and it certainly helps that none of his teammates are particularly worth passing to. Portland could provide some troubles for a tired Montreal side, but even if the game is lopsided, the Impact are a dangerous counterattacking team. Last week, we noted that Fabian Espindola's price was unlikely to be that low again all season, and this week Piatti falls into the same boat. Hopefully the result is the same and Montreal make a splash in their return to MLS action.
Harry Shipp ($7,300)
Have we targeted Real Salt Lake enough yet? Probably not. Shipp is exactly the type of player that could carve up RSL. Manager Frank Yallop is extremely proactive with Shipp, often switching his side of the field multiple times in a match to take advantage of a good matchup. Shipp is a shifty yet hard-nosed player that can keep up with the athletic RSL defenders, and then truly thrive against the slower central defense in front of Nick Rimando. Salt Lake played to a hard fought 0-0 draw against Los Angeles on Wednesday and may have a tough time defending a surprisingly relentless Chicago offense. If somebody other than the useless Guly do Prado starts at forward for Chicago, watch out! This fixture screams for the energy of Quincy Amarikwa, which could allow for Shipp and Shaun Maloney to unlock the defense with ease. Unfortunately, the high price means Shipp will be more of an alternative to Pedro Morales than a partner in your lineups, but he still deserves plenty of consideration.
Other Midfielders to Consider: Luis Gil ($5,000), Diego Valeri ($5,400), Marco Pappa ($5,800).
Forwards
Clint Dempsey ($10,300)
Dempsey has had either a goal or an assist in every game this season. That form stretches back well into last season as well, and makes the slate's highest price tag much easier to swallow. Dempsey and Obafemi Martins form the best attacking duo that the league has ever witnessed, and a formidable Columbus defense would probably be elated to only concede one goal. Dempsey has had some great moments in Columbus with the US National Team, and this seemingly small motivational notion could make him decide to flip the switch and turn this from a routine road match to a true beat-down. You really never know with Dempsey, but luckily even disinterested Clint has been productive lately. Affording both Dempsey and Oba is becoming increasingly difficult on DraftKings, so you'll likely have to plant your flag on just one Sounders star this weekend. For me, that choice leans Dempsey strictly due to his impressive consistency this season.
Fabian Espindola ($7,400)
Normally we're going to try and mix things up with our recommendations each week, but Espindola's price is still too good to ignore. Plenty has been written about him here on RotoWire, and his stat line from last weekend speaks for itself. This week he'll take on a Sporting Kansas City defense that is not as strong as their reputation. D.C. United are just the type of well-rounded team that can give SKC trouble, and they should be able to find opportune positions in the offensive end. Espindola will predictably lead the way with his endless determination and crafty attacking runs, but Chris Pontius and Chris Rolfe are sneaky options as well if you want a differential. Logistically, Espindola's price tag allows for two other elite forwards in your lineup, which could be a necessity if you want to cash your lineups this weekend.
Maxi Urruti ($5,800)
Until lineups come out, it's difficult to pinpoint many bargain bin forwards this week, so we'll assume that Caleb Porter once again starts Urruti over Fanendo Adi. Urruti is a tough player to gauge. He undoubtedly has the skill to succeed in MLS, but he never quite pieces it all together at once. Far too often, Urruti makes a great run and shot, only to have been deemed offsides. Alternatively, he might do well to beat a defender in the box only to miss the easy pass and instead take a poor shot. I do like the hustle Urruti seems to be bringing to his new opportunity as the Timbers' forward, though. If he can make disciplined runs this weekend, it won't be difficult to catch roaming center back Laurent Ciman out of position. Diego Valeri could start and Darlington Nagbe will also draw plenty of attention, which means whoever starts up top for Portland stands a good chance for a productive fantasy day. When weighing talent, price and matchup, Urruti fits the bill as a great DFS play, should he once again get the starting nod.
Other Forward to Consider: Dom Dwyer ($8,800), Octavio Rivero ($9,000), Bradford Jamieson IV ($5,400).
