The quick and short round is in the books and now we are heading towards the last big double gameweek (DGW) for this season. Three of the four matches followed expectation as home wins, but many managers were left bitterly disappointed after the surprise defeat of Minnesota at home by the usually travel-sick Rapids. It was a good week for LAFC, whose win left them tied with Chicago Fire’s record for the most points by an expansion club. They are now aiming to reach 60 points with their two remaining games to steal the record solely for themselves. In sadder news, Orlando City were making records of a different kind (i.e. ones they never wanted to happen). With their latest loss they equalled the record set by Minnesota last year for most goals conceded in a season (70) and with their remaining two games they have the chance to break that record, unless San Jose beat them to it (currently trailing on 69). In the category of unwanted records, The Lions could achieve another one soon: the worst goal differential in league history, for which they are currently seven goals short on -30 with a tough run-in of matches to the end of the season.

It rained goals in Los Angeles tonight. ☔️ #LAFCvHOU pic.twitter.com/FJ1O2S8Uc1 — Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 13, 2018

Gameweek 33 Review

After more than an hour and a half’s interruption because of a torrential rainstorm, LAFC managed to come back from 0-1 and went on to win (4-2) over Houston Dynamo. In a shocking game, Minnesota United were shutout at home by Colorado Rapids (0-2), following an incredibly eventful stoppage time that included a goal for both teams (but the MIN one was disallowed by VAR) and a red card for both teams, before the game finally ended at 90+16 mins! It took just one goal for D.C. United to win the game against FC Dallas and move into the playoff zone. Despite already being eliminated from post-season participation, New England Revolution comfortably won (2-0) when hosting struggling Orlando City.

Run it back! ⏮ All the goals from an abbreviated Week 33. pic.twitter.com/FKNKxaJpIu — Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 14, 2018

Gameweek 34 Preview

In this penultimate round we have 7 teams on a double. DCU and ORL will be hosting twice, while SEA, SKC and TOR have to travel for both of their games. The remaining DGW teams, RSL and VAN, have a mixed bag of fixtures. There is no team on bye this time and it’s the last short turnaround of the season, with a deadline on Wednesday.

* Please note, many of the players will be engaged in international duties a day or two before the first games on Wednesday and most likely will not take part in them. Follow the news and check the rosters for more updates.

ORL( W 7 D 4 L 20 ) vs SEA and vs CLB( W 13 D 9 L 10 )

Ironically, one of the two teams playing twice at home this week is not one that most fantasy managers would have wished for. Orlando will be up against two teams with a shared mission: getting into fourth place in their respective conferences to guarantee a home game in the opening playoff round. Truly, it has been an awful year for the Lions and they are left with nothing to play for, while their opponents will be highly motivated and difficult to beat. The Lions just need this season to end, so they can regroup and look forward to the new one.

SEA is dealt with below.

As mentioned above, the Crew still have a job to do securing that 4th place. They will need to find goals, as only the Rapids have scored fewer in the entire league. When you take into account that only ten goals have been scored on the road, perhaps it’s better to ignore this week.

DCU ( W 12 D 8 L 11 ) vs TOR and vs NYCFC ( W 15 D 8 L 9 )

It was a long wait, but phase one of the Black and Red’s playoff plan is now complete. Following an impressive run of recent results, their slow but steady climb up the Eastern Conference has finally lifted them above the red line. The team was bottom for almost half of the season until the arrival of Rooney, who inspired them to reach this height. Still, there is lots to be done ahead as they move into phase two: remaining there! Although they have a game in hand, they are just a point ahead of Montreal, so there is no room for errors and only wins can see them through to the playoffs without being dependent on the results of the teams around them. Needless to say, this double home match-up is a golden opportunity for them to cement their playoff spot. Neither fixture will be easy, but their recent home form is very good so I expect the usual suspects (Rooney, Acosta) to appear in most fantasy teams this week.

TOR is dealt with below.

With only one win in their last eight games, the Blues only have themselves to blame for their current situation. Going back into the top two is now impossible for them, but dropping further down the table is still a very real possibility unless they can rediscover their earlier season form. Not many will be tempted to take a risk in this matchup though.

VAN( W 12 D 7 L 12 ) vsSKC and @LAFC( W 16 D 8 L 8 )

The Caps are in a very difficult situation. Mathematically, they have a slight flicker of hope to take part in the post-season, but they will need two wins from their last three games and still nothing will be guaranteed, as it all depends on the results of the teams around them. The team will be short-handed, with quite a few players missing due to international involvement. Amongst them are Davies, Waston and Reyna. Most likely Felipe will step in, but can he do the magic?

SKC is dealt with below.

It has been a dream MLS debut season for the Black and Gold. Currently sitting just a point behind the leader, Dallas, they know that much more is there to be achieved. Hosting a possibly short-handed Caps could help them continue writing MLS history. Despite the many teams on a double, some players here should be considered and you know who they are.

https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1050982019386114048

RSL ( W 13 D 7 L 12 ) vs NE ( W 9 D 11 L 12 ) and @POR ( W 14 D 9 L 9 )

After the big home loss last time around, Real find themselves hanging in the last playoff spot with Galaxy just a point behind. These matches will be Decision Day for them, as they are the only team on bye in the last round. Only a miracle can save them from dropping out. In the first game they could earn a point, but that is unlikely to happen on their travels. It’s not clear if Rusnak, Plata and Savarino will be back in time from their international duties, so best wait for the lineups if you want them.

The Timbers are almost through and only the impossible can stop them. That is if they lose the last two games and Galaxy win theirs. All this is unlikely to happen, so they will continue their fourth-place battle with Seattle (see below).

SEA ( W 15 D 5 L 11 ) @ORL and @HOU ( W 9 D 8 L 15 )

The Sounders will be on the road twice, with only one thing in mind: that fourth-place, which is currently occupied by their old rival Portland. They know they have to be at their best this week and not leave it for the final day when hosting San Jose. It doesn’t happen very often for DGW teams with two away games, but don’t be surprised if you see a few of the usual suspects in some fantasy teams.

Already out of the playoffs, Dynamo are only there to spoil others’ chances. Watch out!

Leerdam → Alonso → Lodeiro → Roldan → GOAL! A comprehensive breakdown of this textbook counterattack: https://t.co/IxUBmZfHlc pic.twitter.com/OiKUgysXVh — Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) October 14, 2018

SKC ( W 15 D 8 L 8 ) @VAN and @DAL ( W 16 D 9 L 7 )

Sporting are currently sitting third in the West, so their next step is to lock in a top-four finish or reach second place for a bye in the first round of playoffs. It won’t be an easy task travelling to desperate Vancouver and then all the way down south to face the Western Conference leader. As mentioned above, some players are unlikely to be back in time from international duties, so plan accordingly.

VAN is dealt with below.

Still in the lead, but only by a point, the Texans know that nothing is to be taken for granted. This game against old rivals Sporting will be crucial for them.

TOR ( W 9 D 6 L 16 ) @ DCU and @MTL ( W 13 D 4 L 15 )

It looks like the already eliminated Reds have hung up their playing boots and are making plans for next season. They showed that with the home loss last time. Their last win on the road was back in the middle of July and it’s unlikely they’ll get another one in these two games.

Montreal now find themselves dumped out of the playoff zone by DCU’s ascendancy. This is perhaps their last chance (if any) to move back above the red line before they travel to Massachusetts next week to meet the Revs on the dreadful artificial turf. Back in March they won 1-0 in this same match-up against their compatriots and most likely that will repeat this time.

ATL ( W 20 D 6 L 6 ) vs CHI ( W 8 D 7 L 17 )

The Five Stripes are on the verge of three possible trophies. If they get maximum points from their remaining two games then the Supporters Shield will be theirs. Only three more points will guarantee them a place in the CONCACAF CL (which is another opportunity for a trophy) and of course, the MLS Cup is always there for grabs if everything goes well in the playoffs. Unfortunately, all the hard work has to be done without the injured Almiron. The absence of their playmaker will have an impact, but the team has plenty of talent to march towards glory.

The Fire are bad (sorry no, very bad) on the road. Enough said.

https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1048681546989727744

PHI ( W 15 D 5 L 12 ) vs NYRB ( W 20 D 5 L 7 )

Philly will fight hard to remain in the fourth position, as the Crew will be fighting equally hard to take it from them. They must do their best at home this week, as their final game is a difficult trip to the Big Apple to face the other New York team. Blake could be a dark horse, with his ten shutouts.

The Bulls have lots to play for. Sitting just a point behind Atlanta, the possibility of a win here, followed by hosting Orlando for their final game next week, could bring a dramatic finish to the season. First, they need to get over this hurdle, as the Union are no strangers to clean sheets at home, as they proved recently against SKC, New England and NYCFC. But the Bulls have plenty of talent, so this one could go either way.

MIN ( W 11 D 3 L 18 ) vs LA ( W 12 D 9 L 11 )

Not many will be interested in the Loons after their hopes were crushed last week with that embarrassing loss at home against the Rapids.

This will be a very important game for the Galaxy, who are currently just a point below the red line. They must win both their remaining games to still be in with a chance of making the playoffs. That said, the outcome will still depend on results around them. Surely Zlatan will make that last push work for them.

SJ ( W 4 D 8 L 20 ) vs COL ( W 7 D 6 L 19 )

With so many teams on a double, it’s unlikely anyone will be interested in this game. That said, the Quakes might want to better Orlando’s record for the most conceded goals and Colorado might get their third road win for the season. How exciting

Captain Suggestions

1. Rooney (DCU) With one foot in the playoffs, and two home games this week, there is an opportunity for him to make the dream come true.

2. Lodeiro (SEA) Two road games (but against manageable opposition) and still with lots to play for, plus with 36 points from the last two games he can’t be ignored.

3. Martinez (ATL) Just one game, but it could be enough to outscore others. With Almiron out, he will be the main man to help the team take the title and to redeem himself for his recent slump.

Deadline

Wednesday 17.10.18 at 7:30 PM EDT – 12:30 AM BST

Best of luck to all Managers.

Thanks for reading: MLS Tips Fantasy Major League Soccer GW34. This article was written by Ivan The Terrible