NYCFC 0 – 1 Sporting KC

In this feisty, hotly contested match, one of the most notable takeaways was that Frank Lampard was at the game (though as a spectator) and David Villa was not. This contest was littered with scoring chances, and in the end the visitors spoiled NYCFC’s second ever home game.

Fantasy Studs:

Ike Opara ($7.4): He’s currently the highest point scorer in MLS Fantasy after a monster 17-point performance on Saturday including a goal, a clean sheet, and a whopping 5 bonus points. He’s an absolute beast in the air and is sure to continue to churn out Fantasy points. Buy him.

Fantasy Duds:

David Villa ($10.2): Villa, who was held out of this match at the last minute due to an adductor strain, is the definition of high-risk high-reward Fantasy player. NYCFC have a bye in Round 6, but then a good schedule in the following weeks. Proceed with caution.

Dom Dwyer ($10.3): Dom is far too expensive to keep on your team right now. Surely he is a dangerous player, but he hasn’t found his rhythm yet this season and has collected a measly 7 points through the first 4 matches. Barring a sharp wake-up call, he will not bag 22 goals like last year.

Graham Zusi ($10.5): Zusi is a player that I love on the pitch, but avoid in the Fantasy realm. I don’t think he produces enough to merit his steep price tag, he’s going to miss time for International Duty this summer, and he came off with a hamstring injury in the first half on Saturday.

Columbus Crew SC 1 – 2 New York Redbulls

Both of these teams are looking to be top guns in the Eastern Conference this year, but a few critical errors by Columbus and some impressive attacking by the Red Bulls left the Crew with a disappointing home loss. Both of these teams have a bye next weekend: Columbus will be gearing up for DGW matches at Vancouver and New England in Round 6, while the Redbulls will head to DC.

Fantasy Studs:

Bradley Wright-Phillips ($10.9): BWP recorded his second consecutive match with both a goal and an assist. Once we get past NY’s Week 5 bye, I’m high on a few of their midfield/attacking core. BWP, Lloyd Sam, and Dax McCarty in particular seem like they have the potential to amass lots of Fantasy points.

Fantasy Duds:

Federico Higuaín ($10.1): Higuaín has yet to come into form this season and he picked up a red card (on his second yellow of the match) in the second half on Saturday. He’ll be out until Columbus’ second match of GW6. He does take set pieces, but I would stay away until he starts producing Fantasy points.

Vancouver 2 – 1 Portland

For all those who captained Rivero this week (like me) in hopes that he would score big in this historically goal-heavy Cascadia matchup: whoops. Despite Rivero’s meager 2 points, this match did not lack in the entertainment department. Adi’s 82nd minute equalizer and super-sub Robert Earnshaw’s 90th minute winner meant one of the most dramatic finishes of the season.

Fantasy Studs:

Beautiful setup by Fanendo Adi and finish from Will Johnson! (Vine by MLS Edits) https://t.co/AZZbuHP4I2 — お茶々狂@ＭＬＳ全般 (@mlskorin1201mls) February 20, 2015

David Ousted ($5.5): Ousted had another stellar performance on Saturday and is one of the most reliable goalkeepers in MLS Fantasy. He’s a great buy right now and is worth picking up if you don’t have him already.

Pedro Morales ($11.2): Morales got a last minute assist for the second week in a row. He’s had a slower start to the 2015 season than many had hoped, but with Vancouver’s soft schedule in the next few weeks including a DGW in Round 6, Porales appears poised to score lots of fantasy points.

Fanendo Adi ($9.3): Adi has all three of Portland’s goals so far this season, and his price tag is decent for a starter with regular scoring opportunities. Look for his goal-scoring form to continue to rise as Portland sorts out their midfield, and especially upon the return of Diego Valeri and Will Johnson.

Fantasy Duds:

The rest of Portland. No one besides Adi earned more than 4 Fantasy points on Saturday. The Timbers have plenty of guys with Fantasy potential (see Nagbe, Ridgewell, Jewsbury, Powell, Kwarasey), but they have a tough schedule over the next few weeks and their Fantasy form is too unpredictable to justify most of their price tags for now.

Chicago 1 – 0 Philadelphia

Adailton got his first MLS goal in the first half of this match and Chicago was able to hold on for their first win of the 2015 season. Fred’s red card for throwing a punch just minutes after entering the game as a sub killed any second half momentum that the Union had conjured up. Blame it on playing a weak Philadelphia side if you want, but Harry Shipp looked like an all-star.

Fantasy Studs:

Harry Shipp ($7.8): He continues to run the show for the Fire and is involved in nearly all offensive plays. 23% of all Fantasy players have already put their faith in him, and they’re starting to be being rewarded. He’s a solid fantasy buy for his price, just be aware of Chicago’s Round 6 bye.

Fantasy Duds:

Philadelphia. They do have a DGW in Round 7, but outside of Aristeguieta who has the potential to poach a goal here and there, I would steer clear of the rest of this lackluster squad for now.

Real Salt Lake 2 – 1 Toronto

This match showcased another thrilling finale. Jackson notched an equalizer for Toronto in the 88th minute, but Jordan Allen headed home his first professional goal just sixty seconds later to reclaim the victory for Real. RSL dictated much of the match against a depleted Toronto side, but look for Toronto to bounce back against Chicago next week.

Fantasy Studs:

2nd consecutive @MLS team of the week for @javi_mo11 … The maestro just keeps on rolling #RSL https://t.co/aEOpepifQe — Real Salt Lake (@RealSaltLake) March 31, 2015

Javier Morales ($10.9): Jorales had another strong performance and is looking like a player who may demand to be in your Fantasy lineup. He may not be able to maintain double-digit Fantasy performances each week, but he’s definitely worth the investment.

Fantasy Duds:

Sebastian Giovinco ($11.0): The Atomic Ant was one of the biggest offseason signings in the league and has the potential to become a break-out Fantasy player, but so far he has not been worth his hefty price tag. Keep an eye on him as Toronto continues to gel, but I would be wary of picking him up for now.

Reactions? Questions? Tweet at me @mattlong34 and let me know what you’re thinking!