There were certainly plenty of surprises around the MLS this past week including most importantly, a first-place team that was outshot 25-1 but still managed to secure three points with a 1-0 win. There was plenty of scoring with Vancouver, Sporting Kansas City and the LA Galaxy all tallying at least three goals in their respective wins. It only makes sense that each team had at least one fantasy standout. Here is a look at the top individual fantasy performers from this past weekend in the MLS.
GK: Bill Hamid, DC United
When a team is outshot 25-1 and still wins 1-0, it leaves very little doubt about which goalie will earn top fantasy honors for that weekend, so it’s no surprise to see Hamid here. The DC United keeper actually made eight saves in the win and the fact that he was tested early and often, and was up for the challenge was the only reason his team was able to earn an important three points. DC United remained eight points clear of the New York Red Bulls for the top spot in the Eastern Conference and with Hamid playing at such a high level, it’s clear they can win even when they aren’t playing at their absolute best as a team.
Honorable Mention: Adam Kwarasey, Portland; Luis Robles, New York Red Bulls
D: Jordan Harvey, Vancouver
The Whitecaps kept their spot atop the Western Conference secure with a dominant 4-0 win over Real Salt Lake. Harvey separated himself as the top fantasy defender for the week with a pair of assists. Vancouver’s 34 goals are still eight less than the LA Galaxy for most in the MLS but they won with a complete team effort over this past weekend.
D: DaMarcus Beasley, Houston
Houston leapfrogged RSL in the Western Conference standings with a 2-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes with Beasley scoring his first goal of the MLS campaign. The Dynamo are now just one point out of the sixth and final playoff spot. While Beasley is known more for his defensive play, he certainly stepped up in their win with a big goal.
Honorable Mention: Kemar Lawrence, New York Red Bulls; Bobby Burling, Colorado; Hector Jimenez, Columbus
M: Cristian Techera, Vancouver
Techera was another central figure in Vancouver’s 4-0 win with a pair of goals and four total shots to establish himself as the top fantasy midfielder. Techera doubled his goal total to four markers in 14 games this season but he has 25 shots and the Whitecaps have to like that he continues to put so many shots towards the goal.
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M: Benny Feilhaber, Sporting Kansas City
Sporting KC moved one step closer to locking down a playoff spot with a 3-1 win over Toronto FC and Feilhaber played an absolutely crucial role with a goal and an assist. The Brazilian midfielder now has eight goals and nine assists in 23 games this season and Sporting KC will need him in top form heading in to the final stretch.
Honorable Mention: Chris Rolfe, DC United; Alex, Houston
F: Kei Kamara, Columbus
No other player was better in terms of pure fantasy production this week than Kamara, who scored two goals on seven shots – including the game-winner in a 2-1 win over Colorado. Kamara leapfrogged Toronto FC’s Sebastian Giovinco for the MLS goal scoring lead with 17 on the season and powered the Crew to another important three points.
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F: Robbie Keane, LA Galaxy
Keane’s 11th goal of the season moved him into a tie for fourth on the list of MLS goal scoring leaders and also held up as the game-winning goal in a 3-1 win over Seattle. The Galaxy will be in tough to beat out Vancouver for top spot in the Western Conference this season but with Keane at his best and a loaded supporting cast up front, there is no reason to think LA still can’t win a conference title.
Honorable Mention: Giovani Dos Santos, LA Galaxy; Bradley Wright-Phillips, New York Red Bulls
