This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
For detailed stats and odds, check out the Fantasy MLS: Saturday Cheat Sheet.
MATCHES (EDT)
5:00 p.m: New York Red Bulls v. Vancouver Whitecaps
8:00 p.m: Minnesota United v. Sporting KC
9:00 p.m: Colorado Rapids v. FC Dallas
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Bobby Shuttleworth, MIN v. SKC ($4,300): Minnesota are brimming with confidence after three wins over their last four games, with Shuttleworth averaging over 10 fantasy points per game over that stretch. His fantasy value lies in the fact that he faces enough shots every game that he's able to offset any goals conceded with saves, and he's in a similar spot facing a Sporting KC squad that has been firing at will lately.
DEFENDER
Hernan Grana, DAL at COL ($5,400): Grana leads all defenders with 134 crosses and it's not even close. He contributed two assists and 21 fantasy points just two games ago, and with Dallas scrapping for one of the final playoff spots in the Western Conference, we can expect Grana to be active on the wing as usual.
Jimmy Medranda, SKC at MIN ($4,100): A quick glance at Medranda's game log and you'll want to hit that X to close it pretty quickly. He's turned up with a goose egg and a minus-1 in two of the last three games he's played in, but there are a combination of factors that put him on the fantasy radar Saturday. Sporting KC are without multiple key players, including Benny Feilhaber, meaning Medranda could feature in an advanced role, closer to goal. Combine that with the matchup against a Minnesota United team that will also be missing some key pieces and Medranda makes for a worthy play at a reasonable price.
MIDFIELDER
Sacha Kljestan, NYR v. VAN ($8,600): Kljestan put in 10 crosses and added an assist in his last start, and with New York looking to solidify their spot in the playoffs, he jumps out as arguably the best option on a short three-game slate. He leads all midfielders on the slate with 183 crosses in 30 games this season, and makes for one of the safer plays on the board for both cash game lineups and GPPs.
Mauro Diaz, DAL at COL ($7,100): As noted on the RotoWire Fantasy Soccer Podcast, Diaz is finally putting together noteworthy fantasy scores, with a combined 33 points across his last two outings. Dallas currently sit below the red line, but they have a game in hand and can't afford a slip-up at Colorado.
Sam Nicholson, MIN v. SKC ($5,800): Nicholson's played just 22 minutes off the bench over the last two games combined, but he had a goal, an assist and 25 fantasy points in that short span. With Kevin Molino away on international duty, Nicholson could slot back into the starting lineup, and he would likely assume the role of primary set piece taker. In his last start at home he fired off six shots and swung in 10 crosses, highlighting his ability to rack up points when he's on the field.
FORWARD
Bradley Wright-Phillips, NYR v. VAN ($8,300): Wright-Phillips hasn't done anything to jump off the charts recently, but he remains one of the top finishers in the league and on a three-game slate he warrants strong consideration. New York control their postseason destiny, and they'll want their top goalscorer to head into the postseason beaming with confidence. We'll need at least a goal from BWP to pay off his salary, but it would be no surprise to see him hit for at least a brace in this spot.
Diego Rubio, SKC at MIN ($8,000): Despite being kept off the scoresheet for the first time in three games, Rubio took seven shots (five on goal) in last Saturday's loss to Vancouver. Sporting KC still have a shot at winning the Western Conference, and with Rubio shouldering the load in the attack he's back in play in an attractive matchup at Minnesota.
Daniel Salloi, SKC at MIN ($6,700): There aren't many true value plays at the position, but Salloi provides some salary relief compared to the top-tier options. He's just two games removed from a five-shot, 21-point showing against the Galaxy, and it's not unthinkable that he could show up with a similar game against Minnesota.
