It is a case of buyer beware for MLS fantasy managers looking to add a player like Clint Dempsey following a strong start in big part due to his cap hit but also in light of news that he is dealing with a hamstring injury that could keep him out two weeks. So while he’s out of the picture, we’ll have to look for other options in our best starting 11 of the week:
Josh Saunders – G (New York City FC)
There is no doubt about who you should start in goal this week with New York City FC standing atop the Eastern Conference with five points through three games. They get set to host a Sporting Kansas City team that has dropped two of its first three games. Saunders ranks among the league leaders with 10 saves so far this season and he should be a lock for your starting 11 in goal.
Michel – D/M (FC Dallas)
Michel is a valuable player that is eligible as both a defender and a midfielder, so it makes sense to add him this week as perhaps the most valuable piece among defenders. Michel has already registered a pair of assists and a shot on goal and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him step up again this weekend against the Sounders.
Kofi Sarkodie – D (Portland Timbers)
Portland faces a tough test this weekend versus Vancouver but Sarkodie has been excellent so far playing all 270 minutes for the Timbers and pitching in offensively with an assists. Goals won’t be easy to come by for Portland but Sarkodie has been excellent and is worth a look.
Zach Loyd – D (FC Dallas)
Loyd registered a solid performance last week, going the full 90 minutes without committing a foul. With Dallas playing at such a high level heading in to this week in big part because of its solid back four, they should have another strong outing versus Seattle.
Kaka – M (Orlando City FC)
Orlando has earned at least a point in two of its first three games and Kaka is a big reason for it as the main man in their midfield. Kaka leads all MLS midfielders with 12 shots on goal this season and there is a good chance he will find his second goal of the season versus Montreal this weekend.
Pedro Morales – M (Vancouver Whitecaps)
Morales stepped up in Vancouver’s win over Orlando City SC with a couple of pretty passes, setting up chances and a shot of his own that was sent just wide from the top of the box. The Whitecaps are set to play three games in a row at home beginning with a game against Portland this weekend, so this is the perfect time to add Morales to your midfield.
Rodney Wallace – M (Portland Timbers)
The Timbers have a tough matchup versus Vancouver but Wallace has been excellent and his numbers indicate he deserves a chance. Wallace leads all Portland players with eight shots so far and it’s only a matter of time before he breaks through with a goal.
Diego Fagundez – M (New England Revolution)
The Revolution are off to a rough start with just one point through their first three games but they are too talented to continue to lose. They have a shot at getting back on track this weekend versus San Jose. Fagundez hasn’t been shy to shoot and if he keeps taking his chances eventually it should pay off.
Octavio Rivero – F (Vancouver Whitecaps)
The first-year striker made the difference for Vancouver in their 1-0 win over Orlando City SC with the lone goal on a superb diving header in the final seconds of stoppage time and he now has three goals in as many games this season. The Whitecaps have looked very good and Rivero has been the most dangerous of their attacking players, which makes him a must-add for this week’s starting 11.
David Villa – F (New York City FC)
No striker has registered more shots on goal so far this season than Villa, who has played all 270 minutes for NYCFC. Their star attraction will be in the spotlight again this weekend with the SKC in town and he should have plenty of opportunities to get back on the scoresheet as he looks for his second goal of the season.
Blas Perez – F (FC Dallas)
No MLS team has scored more goals than FC Dallas through three games and Perez has led the way with three of the team’s six markers. Perez won’t hesitate with the ball on his foot within striking distance and he should have plenty of opportunities to build on his strong start versus Seattle this weekend.
