This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
Lineup No. 1: Cyle > Coyle
The title of this lineup is inspired by two things I feel quite strongly about this week. First, Houston Dynamo manager Owen Coyle continues to defy common sense by leaving star talent Cubo Torres out of the starting lineup. When last year's breakout star declares himself ready to play, he should be featuring each and every week. This weekend, the Dynamo play host to the Vancouver Whitecaps, one of the league's most formidable sides. I'm targeting standout keeper David Ousted ($4,500) and recently acquired fullback Jordan Smith ($3,000). The Whitecaps are hungry to jump ahead of the Los Angeles Galaxy for the Western Conference's top spot, while Houston is floundering in its efforts to remain in the playoff race. Even if the talented Cubo Torres gets released from Coyle's dog house, I'll be looking to Vancouver to control the match against a Houston side playing its third match in eight days. Smith is not a lock to start, but Vancouver's Voyager Cup winning lineup midweek suggests he should get his first opportunity in this one. Take advantage of the low price and great clean sheet opportunity for both players.
The second item I feel strongly about is Orlando City's potential to break out of its slump. The Lions desperately need a victory to remain in the playoff hunt and a vulnerable Chicago Fire side should be just what the doctor ordered. Sure, Chicago has looked livelier lately, but it remains one of the least talented sides in Major League Soccer, sitting in last place in the Eastern Conference. This will be Chicago's third game in seven days after a grueling August schedule overall. Cyle Larin ($9,100) should lead the line for Orlando City, and is poised to break the rookie goal scoring record. While he has been quiet for a few weeks, Orlando's attackers have been hampered by red cards and road matches. When we consider Orlando have had to play a man down for parts of eight matches this season, and that Larin did not begin the year as the team's go-to striker, the rookie's goal total is even more impressive.
Let's dig into another match. New York City plays host to the Columbus Crew in a game primed for multiple goals. Both defenses lack virtually every quality you'd look for in a reliable back line, while both attacks have shown potential to be potent. Kwadko Poku is becoming a breakout star and his price hasn't caught up to the hype. If salary was not an issue, he wouldn't be close to a top midfield option in my mind, but for just $5,800 he makes it into this lineup and is one of the week's best values. On the other side, Golden Boot contender Kei Kamara is ideally constructed to pounce on any mistakes along NYC FC's inexperienced back line. Kamara is far more likely to grab multiple goals in this match than be held scoreless. While I'm not fond of Columbus' clean sheet hopes, I am quite excited to use Harrison Afful. After just two starts, it is clear that manager Gregg Berhalter has made yet another great signing. Afful's speed and guile from the fullback position will prove capable of unlocking many MLS defenses, and NYC FC's defense is more of a wide open door than something that needs unlocked.
We have a midfield and forward spot to fill, and plenty of options. I'm targeting a couple of slightly under-the-radar plays to round out the roster. First is Graham Zusi, Sporting Kansas City's reliable playmaker. SKC has had a rough few weeks after a shocking loss to San Jose and losing Benny Feilhaber to red card suspension. Feilhaber returns for this trip to Colorado, and Kansas City will be hungry to get back to its winning ways. Just $6,600 is a cheap price for a piece of this potent Kansas City attack, and Zusi has been on the verge of becoming a weekly fantasy force once again. In the flex spot, I'll be locking in on Sebastian Jaime from Real Salt Lake. The forward has appeared on the score sheet in seven of his past nine matches, with five goals and two assists. That's remarkable consistency for somebody price at just $6,400. With Javier Morales serving up scoring chances and Joao Plata's speed drawing plenty of defensive attention, Jaime has been getting himself into great scoring positions and taking advantage.
Devil's Advocate: This lineup relies heavily on the away teams. Giovinco's absence sticks out like a sore thumb, while many more exciting midfield options exist. Zusi and Jaime seem to be fairly underwhelming options to fill out the roster.
Why We'll Win: Cyle Larin jumps out as a great differential play among many other popular attacking choices. While many smart fantasy players sometimes overlook options on the road, our Vancouver pieces could be tremendous value despite being far from home.
Lineup No. 2: L'Impact or Limp-act?
Fresh off losing the Voyager's Cup (Canada's largest domestic tournament) to Vancouver, Montreal must travel to face another tough Canadian rival. While Toronto FC should have few problems controlling possession and getting looks at goal, the defensive side of its game remains in question. Montreal will be without star midfielder Ignacio Piatti, and likely Didier Drogba as well, but sit in the sixth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Impact have overcome doubts before, so it wouldn't be shocking to see them have a bit of bite in this match. More than any other game this weekend, Toronto vs. Montreal could go a long way in determining who grabs the cash in daily fantasy tournaments. For that reason, I'm grabbing Giovinco and Michael Bradley from the red side, and Johan Venegas from the blue side. While runaway MVP winner Giovinco is self-explanatory, Michael Bradley is still flying under the radar as a fantasy talent. The offensive side of his game has been in top form lately, while his price tag remains extremely affordable. I think Toronto will grab multiple goals, so this stack is a natural play. On the other hand, if Montreal are to do anything it will likely flow through newcomer Johan Venegas. The Costa Rican international has fired 10 shots on target in his two starts and should be heavily relied upon as the No. 10 playmaker during Piatti's absence. The most attractive thing about Venegas this week is his record-breaking low price for a midfielder of just $2,500. He'll only need a few points to hit value, and has potential for many more.
We grabbed a top MLS team on the road in the first lineup's defense, and I'm sticking to that strategy here. Sporting Kansas City will be taking all of its frustration out on the Colorado Rapids and a clean sheet looks readily available. Like David Ousted, Tim Melia is typically one of the pricier goalkeeping options when at home, but gets a significant discount this week on the road. I'm keen to pair our keeper with a Kansas City defender and am budgeting for Marcel de Jong (who sometimes lines up on the attacking wing), but realize he may not get the start. His price tag will allow us to afford any other SKC fullback in his place, whether it be Amadou Dia, Saad Abdul-Salaam or Seth Sinovic. Harrison Afful once again finds his way into our lineup, as his price tag lags far behind his talent and matchup this week.
We have $14,500 remaining for one forward spot and a flex spot. Rather than suggest Cyle Larin again, or choose what will be an over-owned Kennedy Igboananike for Chicago, I'm looking towards Dom Dwyer and Fernando Aristeguieta. Dwyer could absolutely feast on the Colorado defense as he is very willing to put shots on target and benefits from service from both Benny Feilhaber and Graham Zusi. Even if Colorado brings its best effort, Dwyer should see multiple quality scoring opportunities. If Dwyer is our lightning, then Aristeguieta is our thunder. The big bruising forward looks to be fully back from his cornucopia of early season injuries and instantly makes Philadelphia's offense look twice as dangerous as it did without him. Quietly, the Union are rounding into a respectable attacking side with Aristeguieta, Cristian Maidana, Tranquillo Barnetta, CJ Sapong, and ... yes ... even Sebastien Le Toux. Aristeguieta gives the team the target forward it has desperately needed and is usually the hungriest looking player on the field. If he'll battle for a depressing Union team, I'll let him battle for my fantasy team.
Devil's Advocate: If we really wanted to, we could squeeze Kei Kamara alongside Giovinco, and that could be too good to pass up. Kansas City has lost two straight and is on the road, while Colorado has won two straight and is at home. Is it possible we find ourselves on the wrong side of that match?
Why We'll Win: Every single player we've rostered has a good shot for a double-digit point total. While defenders often struggle to reach that mark, Afful and de Jong bring plenty of offensive potential. Also, we invite our opponents to be scared of Kansas City's form and road match. Hopefully they will be under-owned and we'll capitalize on their likely success. Michael Bradley is nearing must-own territory at this price, but many are still sleeping on him.
