This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
7:00 p.m: Philadelphia Union v. Portland Timbers
7:30 p.m: Toronto FC v. Atlanta United
8:00 p.m: FC Dallas v. Minnesota United
9:30 p.m: Real Salt Lake v. Vancouver Whitecaps
10:30 p.m: San Jose Earthquakes v. Seattle Sounders
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Jake Gleeson, POR at PHI ($4,700): The Timbers have been flying to start the season, though the defense hasn't been particularly strong of late. However, they'll now face a Union side that's scored just four goals in four matches, and Gleeson comes in cheaper than opposing starter Andre Blake, who should see plenty of shots.
DEFENDER
Kellyn Acosta, FCD v. MIN ($5,500): Dallas are the biggest favorites on the slate and Acosta is expected to take most of their free kicks while lining up in the no. 10. It's a total gift that he's classified as a defender, and while the price is high, there aren't too many other places to spend up, making it a bit easier.
Fabinho, PHI v. POR ($5,400):Fabinho makes his money by winning tackles, something he's done 13 times in the last three games, which is the fantasy-point equivalent of 17 crosses (he has five crosses in that span too). Given the solid attack that the Timbers will bring, Fabinho could have plenty of defensive opportunities.
Reggie Cannon, FCD v. MIN ($2,500): Cannon is far from guaranteed to start, but Dallas could put out a few cheaper players after their CONCACAF Champions League match earlier this week. A matchup against Minnesota at home is certainly one to consider for defenders, so make sure you stay on top of lineups in case a cheap favored option comes up.
MIDFIELDER
Sebastian Blanco, POR at PHI ($7,500): Blanco's price continues to rise, but it's only because he's been putting in solid performances, scoring at least 10 fantasy points without a goal in four of five games. Teammate Diego Valeri ($10,100) has been awesome this season, scoring five goals in five matches, but Blanco is a bit safer given his crossing floor.
Nicolas Lodeiro, SEA at SJE ($10,700): Lodeiro comes in with at least 11 fantasy points in every game this season despite just one goal and one assist. His spot on set pieces gives him a solid floor, and he's also a decent crosser in open play. Playing at San Jose isn't the easiest of spots, but the Sounders have enough talent around Lodeiro to make him a good fantasy play.
Anibal Godoy, SJE v. SEA ($6,500): Godoy isn't nearly as good as his game logs suggest, but sometimes you just can't avoid a player in this kind of form when he's at home. The Earthquakes midfielder has scored at least 10 fantasy points in every game this season (note that two of them are from World Cup qualifiers), and he does it by contributing in multiple stat categories. The price is a bit high, but you're not going to get the same security going with Tommy Thompson ($4,300), who took all of their corners in their last match.
FORWARD
Sebastian Giovinco, TOR v. ATL ($12,600): We have yet to see the dominant Giovinco that we got used to seeing last season (and the year before), and it's only a matter of time before he breaks out. One of the negatives is that he doesn't have a full monopoly of corners, though he's still plenty dangerous on direct free kicks.
Maximiliano Urruti, DAL v. MIN ($7,900): Urruti is not guaranteed to start after going 89 minutes in a midweek CONCACAF Champions League match, but if he does get the call he makes for a great play leading the line against the worst defense (by far) in Major League Soccer. Minnesota have allowed an astonishing 20 goals in five games, while no other side has allowed more than eight. Urruti also comes in with three goals on eight shots in his two MLS starts this season.
Joao Plata, RSL v. VAN ($8,500): Plata's return to the starting XI will be a huge boost to the RSL attack, which has managed just three goals in their first five games. He was an excellent fantasy option last season because he was a solid attacker and took set pieces, and while he is likely to share those duties with midfielder Albert Rusnak ($7,700), he should still contribute plenty. Fellow RSL forward Yura Movsisyan ($6,700) is also worthy of consideration against a Whitecaps defense that has allowed multiple goals in every league game since their opening day scoreless draw with the Union.
