This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
7:00 p.m: D.C. United v. San Jose Earthquakes
7:00 p.m: Philadelphia Union v. Chicago Fire
7:30 p.m: Columbus Crew v. New York Red Bulls
8:00 p.m: Minnesota United v. FC Dallas
9:30 p.m: Real Salt Lake v. Seattle Sounders
10:00 p.m: Vancouver Whitecaps v. Colorado Rapids
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
David Ousted, VAN v. COL ($5,700): If we're paying all the way up at goalkeeper, Ousted has a favorable matchup at home against a Colorado attack that ranks second-to-last in goals scored. Ousted is averaging over 11 fantasy points per game across his last three appearances, and with the Caps clinging to the top seed in the Western Conference, they'll be looking for another strong performance from their Danish netminder.
Andrew Tarbell, SJE at DCU ($4,400): Tarbell came up with four saves and a clean sheet in last Saturday's 1-0 win over Houston, and with San Jose in the thick of a tight Western Conference battle for a spot in the playoffs, the Earthquakes will be looking for a similar result at RFK Stadium. D.C. United boast the worst attack in MLS, with just 23 goals in 28 games.
DEFENDER
Hernan Grana, DAL at MIN ($4,900): Grana's crossing totals have dipped over the last few games, but that should correct itself with an enticing matchup at Minnesota. Surprisingly, if the playoffs started today FC Dallas would not be involved as they currently sit eighth in the Western Conference. All of that is added motivation for Grana and FCD to be at their best in a winnable road game.
Marlon Hairston, COL at VAN ($3,900): The versatile Hairston played in attacking role on the right side in Colorado's 1-1 draw with NYC FC last weekend, and if he lines up in the same position at Vancouver then he's back in play. Keep in mind that Hairston plays in the last game of the slate, so be prepared to pivot to Seattle's Kelvin Leerdam ($4,200) or Nouhou Tolo ($4,100).
MIDFIELDER
Albert Rusnak, RSL v. SEA ($10,000): Rusnak continues to stuff the stat sheet, averaging 24.75 fantasy points over his last four MLS appearances. He's the most expensive player on the board, but considering how desperate RSL are for a result, combined with his recent play, I'm going back to Rusnak for another point surge.
Mauro Diaz, DAL at MIN ($6,500): After a lackluster return from injury, Diaz looks to finally be turning the corner and is starting to put together some respectable fantasy scores. Dallas are suddenly fighting for their playoff lives, so we can expect a spirited effort in a favorable matchup at Minnesota. On this week's RotoWire Fantasy Soccer podcast, I hinted at this being a breakout game spot for Diaz since he has yet to top 20 points this season.
Pedro Santos, CLB v. NYRB ($6,200): While Santos has yet to log a full 90 minutes since entering the Crew lineup, he's averaging 11 FPPG as a starter and comes at a reasonable salary. He's stealing some set pieces from Federico Higuain ($8,500) and will look to exploit a potentially fatigued Red Bulls side.
FORWARD
Nicolas Lodeiro, SEA at RSL ($8,300): Lodeiro's been a bit of a bust over his last three games, hitting 10 fantasy points just once in that span. With the sub-par results comes a decrease in salary, and despite the recent lack of production, his diminished salary and safe floor put him in back in play in what's shaping up to be a competitive game at Salt Lake.
Ola Kamara, CLB v NYRB ($7,400): Kamara's in good form with a goal in four consecutive games. Up next is a matchup with a Red Bulls team that played a grueling 90 minutes in Wednesday's U.S. Open Cup loss to Sporting KC, and Kamara has a good chance to make it five in a row at home against New York's heavy legs.
Yordy Reyna, VAN v. COL ($6,300): Reyna had one goal, two assists and 39 fantasy points in his last two appearances, and with Vancouver pushing for the top seed in the Western Conference, don't expect Reyna to take his foot off the pedal at home against Colorado. His forward eligibility gives his fantasy value a bump as he brings a decent floor through a helping of shots, crosses and fouls drawn.
