This article is part of our MLS Fantasy Strategies series.
Another double-game-week-heavy squad dominated the Round 11 MLS Fantasy Soccer Manager Dream Team, as eight of 11 players featured on teams who played twice, albeit seven were from the New York Red Bulls. We're embarking on a vital stretch early in the season. There are only two teams playing twice in Round 12, but be mindful of the slew of teams on byes in Round 13 before overloading on Orlando City players. This article will touch on DGW players at each position to consider when making your transfers.| DGW Teams | Wed., May 25 | Sat.-Sun., May 28-29 |
| Orlando City SC^ | vs. Philadelphia Union | at New York City FC |
| Philadelphia Union* | at Orlando City SC | at Colorado Rapids |
^ - not playing in Round 13 (bye)
* - both games on the road
MUST HAVES
Kaká ($11.0m)
Kaká looked lively in Orlando City's 2-1 win over the Montreal Impact on Saturday. The 2007 FIFA World Player of the Year assisted on both goals and came close to scoring en route to an 11-point fantasy performance. Of all the DGW players, Kaká stands out as the one player that could make or break your team in Round 12. He doesn't play in Round 13, but his upside is too good to pass up with a home game on Wednesday and then a tasty matchup against the reeling New York City FC on Sunday.
THE OTHERS
FORWARDS
Cyle Larin ($9.3m)
The Canadian international was on the receiving end of Kaká's service, scoring both goals in Orlando's 2-1 win. Larin finished with 13 points on Saturday and is up to six goals in 2016. He loves playing at Yankee Stadium, where he scored a hat trick last season and bagged the game winner in Orlando's 1-0 win at NYC FC in Round 3. After seeing Bradley Wright-Phillips hang 16 points on NYC on Saturday, I'm willing to bring Larin in for a one-off in Round 12 and then ship him back out in Round 13.
C.J. Sapong ($8.9m)
Sapong has five goals on the season and is a strong pickup despite two relatively tough matchups on the road. Philadelphia is one of the 12 teams in action next round and they have a favorable schedule after Round 12 - three of four games at home and playing against the likes of Columbus Crew SC, New York City FC, Chicago Fire and Vancouver Whitecaps. They play two of those home games on another DGW in Round 15. If I'm only picking up one DGW forward it's Larin based on matchups, but if you're planning long term, I'd be fine with grabbing Sapong ahead of the next several rounds.
Other forwards to consider: None
MIDFIELDERS
Tranquillo Barnetta ($8.1m)
After Kaká it's anyone's guess which midfielder is the next best option in Round 12. Barnetta is getting consistent minutes and has been a handful for opposing defenses lately. I'm counting on double-digit points from Tranquillo this round and think he's an excellent pickup with Philadelphia's upcoming schedule in mind.
Kevin Molino ($8.1m)
Molino was inactive in Round 11 in what was likely a move to give him a breather ahead of Orlando's busy schedule. He has a goal in three of the last five games he's featured in, and while I like his upside, I'll probably have to pass on him if I'm already bringing in Kaka and Larin.
Chris Pontius ($7.2m)
Pontius is the highest scoring midfielder on the Union, and for my money he's well worth a look in Round 12. The only concern is that he's been coming off around the 60th minute over the last two games. With a congested schedule, I expect that trend to continue, but I'm willing to roster a 120-minute Pontius over several other midfielders given his price and upcoming run of games.
Other midfielders to consider: Sebastien Le Toux (Philadelphia Union, $9.4m); Warren Creavalle (Philadelphia Union; $5.7m)
DEFENDERS
Keegan Rosenberry ($5.9m)
The third overall pick in the 2016 MLS Superdraft has lived up to the hype through the first 11 games of the season. Rosenberry has scored 20 points over the last two rounds thanks to a goal and a clean sheet.
Tommy Redding ($4.8m)
Redding will slide in at centerback for the injured Seb Hines and comes at a budget friendly price. While I like the attacking upside teammate Brek Shea ($7.8m) offers, Redding is more likely to earn defensive bonus points and should be in line for a full 180-minute shift in Round 12.
Other defenders to consider: Brek Shea (Orlando City SC, $7.8m); Fabinho (Philadelphia Union, $7.2m); Richie Marquez (Philadelphia Union, $6.3m)
GOALKEEPERS
Joe Bendik ($5.1m)
Orlando City hasn't posted a clean sheet since a 1-0 win against Round 12 opponent NYC FC back in Round 3. Despite a shaky backline in front of him, Bendik has been collecting fantasy points through multiple saves. He's now third in the league in saves (44) and has earned a combined 12 points over the last two rounds.
Andre Blake ($4.9m)
Blake is a big reason why the Union sit atop the Eastern Conference standings, and if he's already sitting on your roster - you're in luck. News broke on Monday that he'll be in goal for both games in Round 12 before joining Jamaica for Copa America. Unless you've already got them, I'm not sure I'd go out of my way to transfer in either of the DGW keepers considering you'll have to find a replacement for Round 13.
Other goalkeepers to consider: None
