This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
For detailed odds and stats, check out the Fantasy MLS: Sunday (Late) Cheat Sheet.
MATCHES (EDT)
7:30 p.m: Sporting KC v. Houston Dynamo
7:30 p.m: Vancouver Whitecaps v. San Jose Earthquakes
7:30 p.m: Colorado Rapids v. Real Salt Lake
7:30 p.m: Los Angeles Galaxy v. Minnesota United
7:30 p.m: Seattle Sounders v. FC Dallas
7:30 p.m: Portland Timbers v. D.C. United
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Nick Rimando, RSL at COL ($4,800): Rimando and RSL are on the wrong side of the red line with two games to go, but they are just one point back of FC Dallas for the final playoff spot. While Colorado haven't lost at home since Aug. 19, I expect Salt Lake to do what they need to do, even on the road, in order to have a shot at the postseason. Rimando comes at a slight discount compared to the more expensive goalkeepers on the slate, and with RSL desperate for a win he looks positioned for a nice score.
Andrew Tarbell, SJE at VAN ($3,800): Tarbell is worth a look with San Jose desperate for a result to keep their playoff hopes alive, albeit on the road against the current Western Conference-leading Vancouver Whitecaps. The Whitecaps have been held scoreless in two of their last three and have just one goal over that span, putting Tarbell on the radar at a bargain price.
DEFENDER
Graham Zusi, SKC v. HOU ($6,300): Zusi didn't see the field in either of the US' World Cup qualifiers and should be all set to be immediately inserted back into the SKC starting lineup. Prior to departing for national team duty, he was taking the majority of corners and would likely resume that role in his return.
Hernan Grana, DAL at SEA ($4,800): Grana leads all defenders and is ninth overall in MLS with 138 crosses this season. FC Dallas have their work cut out for them in what should be a tight battle at Seattle, with both teams still jockeying for playoff positioning. That should play into Grana being called upon to swing multiple crosses into the box once again.
Marlon Hairston, COL v. RSL ($4,000): Hairston provides a bit of value and is always a candidate to line up in the midfield closer to goal. He has three goals and four assists on the season, and if he lines up in the attack he's worth deploying to free up funds elsewhere.
MIDFIELDER
Romain Alessandrini, LAG v. MIN ($10,300): The Frenchman remains a bright spot despite LA's struggles, and he continues to produce the fantasy goods even with an assumed lack of motivation with the Galaxy sitting in last place in MLS. Alessandrini's averaging 20 fantasy points per game across his last three and there's no reason to think he can't keep that up in a tasty matchup at home against Minnesota United.
Stefan Aigner, COL v. RSL ($4,500): Aigner has absorbed a share of set pieces since entering the Colorado starting lineup three games ago, and he has a goal in consecutive games. It's worth noting that both goals came from his only shot in each game, but he continues to build chemistry in the Rapids' attack as they get an early look at a player they are counting on to lead the attack next season. Despite the uptick in production, Aigner is still underpriced for what he's capable of producing.
Javier Morales, DAL at SEA ($4,300): Morales has started just seven games in 2017, but he's started each of the last three and is a big reason why FC Dallas are within reach of back dooring their way into the playoffs. He's been a factor on both sides of the ball, and that's carried over to DraftKings. He sent in 10 crosses and had 17 fantasy points in his last outing and his priced dropped $300. With Real Salt Lake and San Jose breathing down their necks, look for the veteran to continue to produce as FCD look to punch their ticket to the postseason.
FOWARD
Nicolas Lodeiro, SEA v. DAL ($9,900): Lodeiro erupted for 34 fantasy points in his last home game behind a goal and two assists in a convincing win over Vancouver. He continues to take the majority of Seattle's set pieces, and with multi-position eligibility he's one of the safest plays at forward. Seattle are still fighting for a first round playoff bye, so we can expect Lodeiro to be active, as usual.
Joao Plata, RSL at COL ($8,600): Plata is another forward who carries a relatively safe floor due to his involvement across the board, which includes shouldering a share of RSL's set pieces. He was extremely active against LA in his last outing, scoring 15 fantasy points on five shots, seven crosses and a few fouls drawn. With Salt Lake on the outside looking in at the final playoff spot in the Western Conference, it'll be all systems go for Plata and the Real Salt Lake attack at Colorado.
Bradford Jamieson IV, LAG v. MIN ($4,300): I wanted to write Giovani dos Santos up here to let my editor, Andrew Laird, and RotoWire Fantasy Soccer Podcast cohost, JD Bazzo, know that I'm serious about rostering him on my Round 34 MLS Fantasy team, but I think we can save some money on DraftKings with Jamieson. Yes, LA have nothing to play for, and maybe I'm still picking on Minnesota more than I should, but the Galaxy are in a good spot if this game turns into the shootout that it very well could. Dos Santos hasn't scored since May, but he got off six shots last game and looks hungry to finish the season with another goal or two. One player who hasn't had any trouble making his mark recently is Jamieson, who has a goal in back-to-back games, and while he's clearly goal-dependent, he's still priced to where it's worth riding the hot hand in an enticing home game against Minnesota.
