Week Eight MLS Fantasy Primer

Let's get ready for week eight of America's favorite (only) MLS fantasy game!

Toronto FC Fantasy Scouting Report

Toronto is a strange team. TFC can score but can’t keep anyone out of goal, given the 10 goals allowed in the last four matches. It probably doesn’t help playing on the road every week while their stadium is being renovated. Orlando City has a good chance to rebound and get goals again. Sebastian Giovinco is playing as well as any other expensive midfielder ($11.4 value and 35 points scored in six matches). Three goals, an assist and three 90-minute performances in the last three weeks is good for anyone.

Getting a read on Toronto’s other marquee names — Jozy Alitdore ($9.6) and Michael Bradley — isn’t easy. Both have missed at least two matches for international duty and Toronto also had a week six bye. Altidore’s two goals came in TFC’s season opener, which should be concerning to owners but, given his talent, he can strike at any time. Bradley’s good for a full 90 minutes on the pitch (he’s played 90 in his four MLS matches the season) and gets attacking and defending bonuses. But no goals or assists. We’ll see how City’s defense will play against Toronto’s attack. They can be deadly (three multi-score games this season).

What To Do About Rafael Ramos?

He's out, if you haven't heard. 14.6% of MLS Fantasy Soccer Manager players have him rostered and I'm sure plenty of Mane Land readers are in that boat. RR's low cost ($5.2) combined with his potential, makes him an attractive option but the red card took a dump on your fantasy plans this week and Orlando City doesn't play the next week (in MLS, anyway). So what should we do about it?

Michael Harrington, Col ($5.3) Nearly the same price but more productive in fantasy terms, he’s probably the go-to pick-up. Colorado’s defense can either shut a team’s attack down or lie down, so approach with some caution. The Rapids play three in the next two weeks but it’s against FC Dallas, the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls — three teams that can score. Still, his 27 points in six matches is good, so taking Harrington could be worth the gamble.

You could go for broke and take Tyler Turner ($4.8). Turner took Rafael’s spot when he went to Portugal’s U-20 camp and could quite possibly take his place in the lineup again. Eric Avila ($5.8) also comes cheap but again, a gamble. Who knows what’s going to happen with that? The final roster deadline is 8 p.m. EST. Keep an eye on the lineup situation until then.

Fantasy Numbers

Most fantasy points earned last week: Donovan Ricketts, 4. It’s not a good sign when the goalie allows three scores and still ends the match as the team’s highest point earner. That should change this week.

Most fantasy points earned on the season: Kaka, 44. Still a dependable option and should bounce back against TFC.

Most expected points this week: Kaka, 8. MLS Fantasy Soccer Manager expects him to rebound too.