Everyone likes to think they know what’s best for their club – from lineups and formations to team tactics. With MLS’ recent partnership with DraftKings, now fans can put their managerial savvy to the test.
And should those skills not live up to the hype, not to worry – DraftKings uses a daily format, so you’re not stuck with the same team every week.
Each manager is given a fictitious $50,000 to spend on roster assembly: two forwards, two midfielders, two defenders, a keeper, and one flex spot (any field player). Players have to be selected from at least three MLS clubs.
As with any fantasy league, points are determined by players’ performance on game days. Is it best to pick big-name, league-leaders? Or players riding a hot-streak? You decide.
Scoring is as follows:
Goal: 10 points
Assist: 6 points
Shot: 1 point
Shot on Goal: 1 point
Cross: 1 point (a cross is any offensive ball sent in from the wing; corners don’t count)
Fouls Drawn: .75 points
Red Card: -1 point
Save (GK): 2 points
Win (GK): 5 points
PK Save (GK): 3 points
Goal Allowed (GK): -2 points
Clean Sheet (GK, D): 5 points
One Goal Allowed (GK, D): 2 points
So who are your best selections? Let’s take a look at Orlando City and Philadelphia Union’s best options.
Orlando City SC vs. Philadelphia Union - August 8th, 7:30pm ET
Cyle Larin – F, Orlando City SC: 16 apps, 13 starts, 11 goals – Cyle Larin is well on his way to setting the MLS rookie goal-scoring record and needs just one more to beat Damani Ralph’s 2003 record. The red-hot Canadian has five goals in his last two games. Coming in at a salary of just $8,800, he's an absolute steal if he continues his goal scoring form.
C.J. Sapong – F, Philadelphia Union: 17 apps, 11 starts, 7 goals, 3 assists – The Union’s leading goal-getter is a solid choice for your team. Sapong is playing his best soccer of late, registering five goals, two assists, and 19 shots since June 3. Sapong comes in this week at a salary of $7,200. In my opinion, with Orlando City at home, Larin would be the better bet for your forward position.
Kaká – M, Orlando City SC: 21 apps, 21 starts, 9 goals, 4 assists – With his constant form, passing ability, and scoring threat, Kaká is a popular selection every week on Draft Kings. The former Ballon d’Or winner plays almost every minute for the Lions and is the focal point of the attack. At an $11,000 Draft Kings salary, Kaká is the most expensive midfielder on Draft Kings this week, but he’s well worth it.
Cristian Maidana – M, Philadelphia Union: 20 apps, 17 starts, 1 goal, 11 assists – Maidana is tied for second in MLS in assists and leads the Union by a wide margin. The Argentine doesn’t score much, but he’s involved in almost all of Philly’s goals. Maidana is the 10th most expensive midfielder this week, coming in at a salary of $8,200.
Aurélien Collin – D, Orlando City SC: 16 apps, 15 starts, 2 goals, 1 assist – Collin is the leader of Orlando City’s back line and is capable of getting on the score sheet with his headers. Playing at home and costing only $4,000 this week, Collin is a must-pick selection for most teams this week.
Other Options Around MLS
Kakuta Manneh - F, Vancouver Whitecaps: 21 apps, 17 starts, 4 goals, 3 assists - The young Whitecaps forward has found the scoresheet in five of his last eight matches, including three goals in that time frame. He’ll be at home against Real Salt Lake and is decent value at $7,500.
Ignacio Piatti - M, Montreal Impact: 19 apps, 19 starts, 8 goals, 4 assists - Want some scoring from the midfield position? Piatti is your guy. He’ll be at home against D.C. United who allowed four goals at home last week (but scored six). He’ll cost you a pretty penny at $8,800, but that is the cost you pay for a scoring midfielder.
