Sebastian Giovinco stole the show for the third weekend in a row in MLS fantasy leagues with another incredible performance to lead Toronto FC to a big win over New England. However, Giovinco wasn’t the only veteran player to deliver a memorable fantasy performance over the weekend as another All-Star from Seattle put up the best fantasy score from the midfield position. Here is a look at the top individual MLS fantasy performances by position from this past weekend.
GK: Evan Bush, Montreal
Portland’s Jake Gleeson and Colorado’s Tim Howard were both excellent in clean sheet victories for their respective teams but it was Montreal’s goalkeeper that registered the best MLS fantasy score at his position over the weekend. Bush stopped all five shots he faced to preserve a 1-0 victory over the Houston Dynamo as the Impact climbed in to a tie for third in the Eastern Conference with the New York Red Bulls. Montreal has now allowed 31 goals in 22 games this season and now sit in fourth place.
Honorable Mention: Jake Gleeson, Portland; Tim Howard, Colorado
D: Marc Burch, Colorado
Burch thrived at both ends of the pitch in the Colorado Rapids’ 2-0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps, picking up an assist while drawing a pair of fouls and helping Tim Howard pick up the clean sheet. It was a strong bounce back effort for the Rapids following a 5-1 loss at the hands of NYCFC and Burch did just enough to earn top fantasy honors at his position for this past weekend. Colorado has now moved up to second-place in the Western Conference with 41 points. They continue to be a stellar defensive team for MLS fantasy purposes as they have allowed just 19 goals on the year (in 22 games). No other team in the MLS has allowed less than 22 (Los Angeles Galaxy).
Honorable Mention: Steve Birnbaum, DC United, Ashley Cole, LA Galaxy; Laurent Ciman, Montreal
M: Clint Dempsey, Seattle
The veteran midfielder delivered an outstanding performance for both his fantasy owners and for Seattle in a 3-1 win over Orlando City SC to snap a three-game winless drought. Dempsey scored all three goals for the Sounders within the first 48 minutes of play and finished with four shots as Seattle cruised to a convincing victory to improve to .500 at home. Seattle currently sits in ninth place in the Western Conference standings with just 24 points. Only the Houston Dynamo have registered fewer points.
M: Javier Morales, Real Salt Lake
Morales was the difference in Real Salt Lake’s 3-1 win over the Chicago Fire as he put his side ahead 2-1 with a penalty kick goal and then sealed the victory with his second marker of the match in the 64th minute. Morales also assisted on the opening goal of the game by Olmes Garcia and finished with four shots to clinch his spot as the second-best fantasy midfielder from this past weekend in the MLS. Real Salt Lake is currently sitting in a tie for third place in the Western Conference with the Los Angeles Galaxy (at 37 points).
Honorable Mention: Diego Valeri, Portland; Sean Davis, New York Red Bulls
F: Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto FC
Sebastian Giovinco lived up to his reputation as the highest priced player in DraftKings tournaments and the most explosive fantasy forward when he delivered another hat trick for Toronto FC in their 4-1 win over the New England Revolution. Giovinco has recorded at least three points in each of Toronto’s last three weekend games and that is easily the biggest reason why TFC has climbed to second in the Eastern Conference standings. The Italian striker now leads the MLS with 15 goals this season – two more than David Villa of New York City FC.
F: Marlon Hairston, Colorado
Hairston delivered a solid performance for Colorado in its 2-0 win over the Whitecaps, opening the scoring just before the half in the 44th minute and then assisting on Dominique Badji’s goal in the 60th minute. Hairston fired three shots in total and was easily the Rapids’ most dynamic offensive player as they earned just their second victory in seven contests.
Honorable Mention: Jordan Morris, Seattle; Chris Pontius, Philadelphia; Jozy Altidore, Toronto FC
