This article is part of our DraftKings Fantasy Soccer series.
MATCHES (EDT)
7:00 p.m: Atlanta United v. San Jose Earthquakes
7:00 p.m: Minnesota United v. Columbus Crew
8:30 p.m: FC Dallas v. D.C. United
9:00 p.m: Colorado Rapids v. Seattle Sounders
10:30 p.m: Los Angeles Galaxy v. Real Salt Lake
PLAYER RECOMMENDATIONS
GOALKEEPER
Jesse Gonzalez, DAL v. DC ($5,800): The chalk play of the day is Gonzalez. D.C. United has scored just six goals in nine road games this year, and Dallas has allowed just eight goals in nine games at home. Center-back Matt Hedges is away on international duty, while his partner Walker Zimmerman is out with an injury. Additionally, Kellyn Acosta is with the U.S. national team for the Gold Cup. However, Dallas showed it could cope with the absences in last weekend's 3-1 win over Toronto, and the midweek matchup against D.C. United should be no different. The worry is that some Dallas starters are rested, but even then it would be hard to see D.C. finding the net. If the injuries and absences scare you, look at Atlanta United's Alec Kann ($5,300), who is in a favorable matchup as well.
DEFENDER
Harrison Afful, CLB at MIN ($4,900): Afful was very active Saturday against Atlanta, as Columbus used him to try and break down the Atlanta defense from the wing. He gets another chance to face an expansion side Tuesday, though this one is one of the weakest teams in the league. If the team needs a goal, expect Afful to get up the field plenty.
Marlon Hairston, COL v. SEA ($4,200): Hairston played as a right midfielder against the Dynamo this past week, and he scored two goals. Listed as a defender, if Hairston starts again at right midfield, he is a lock. He is simply too cheap, especially in a matchup at home.
Tyrone Mears, ATL v. SJ ($3,800): Mears has been on the bench for the last two MLS matches, though he played last midweek in the U.S. Open Cup, so he could get the start at right-back Tuesday. He now appears to be in a competition with Anton Walkes for the spot, so look for him to get up the field a little more to impress head coach Tata Martino.
MIDFIELDER
Miguel Almiron, ATL v. SJ ($9,300): Almiron is an absolute gem. He is the center of the Atlanta attack, and he even works hard on the defensive end, with 11 tackles won in his last four games. He takes most corners and set pieces for Atlanta, and he is always involved in the run of play in the attacking end. With four straight games with at least 12 fantasy points, all signs point to a big night for the Paraguayan in a very favorable matchup.
Michael Barrios, DAL v. DC ($6,300): Although Barrios has failed to find the net since the fourth game of the season, he has found a stretch of form in the last two games. He has an assist in each of the last two, and his shot count has risen with the return of talisman Mauro Diaz, who actually may not start Tuesday after recently returning from a serious injury. Barrios has a good connection with Diaz, who has a strong understanding of Barrios' runs behind opposing defensive lines. Barrios is waiting to have another breakout game this year, and it will likely be because of Diaz, if it is going to happen.
Ibson, MIN v. CLB ($4,800):Ibson takes the corners and set pieces for Minnesota, which allows for opportunities to earn assists. Although he plays in the defensive midfield position, which restricts him from getting in more scoring opportunities, he makes up for it with won tackles. He has 14 tackles won in the last four games, and 14 crosses in his last two home games. He makes for a great bargain play due to his high floor.
FORWARD
Maximiliano Urruti, DAL v. DC ($8,900): Urruti is the man in Dallas at the moment. The return of Diaz has provided him with some support after playing most of the first half of the season without much of a supporting cast. Urruti was forced to develop a creative ability during Diaz's absence, which has made him a more complete player, and a more consistent fantasy producer. He is playing with a ton of style right now, and his confidence is as high as it's ever been. Those are things you love to hear about a striker, especially of Urruti's caliber.
Hector Villalba, ATL v. SJ ($7,600): Coming off a brace last game, Villalba is now well-known by opponents as Atlanta's X-factor. The return of Josef Martinez has moved Villalba back to his home on the right wing. It is unclear whether Martinez will start, so Villalba could move up top, but if the former is in the starting XI, Villalba will enjoy the space freed up by the attention the Venezuelan draws.
Danny Hoesen, SJ v. ATL ($5,500): Hoesen has two goals and three assists in his last five games, despite playing on the wing and up front in that span. His versatility allows him to make his way into the starting XI one way or the other, and because of this he has quickly become a vital piece to the San Jose attack.
