The Seattle Sounders continued their push towards the top of the Western Conference with an impressive 3-1 win over New York City FC but the most lopsided result of the week went to FC Dallas for a 4-1 win over the Houston Dynamo. It’s no surprise that Seattle and Dallas are well represented in this week’s recap of the top fantasy players of the week – especially because of a couple of key players that have consistently ranked among the best at their position all season. Here’s a look at the top MLS fantasy performers from this week.
GK: Sebastian Frei, Seattle
The Sounders goalkeeper was easily the best at his position for the week as he made eight saves including a couple of outstanding ones in Seattle’s 3-1 win over New York City FC. Frei has consistently been one of the best fantasy goalkeepers all year and with the Sounders back in contention for top spot in the Western Conference, he should continue to be a keeper you can count on from a fantasy perspective on a weekly basis.
Honorable Mention Goalie: Bill Hamid, DC United, Tim Melia, Sporting Kansas City
D: Alvas Powell, Portland
Powell has been the most dominant fantasy defender in all of MLS for the course of the regular season and he continued his incredible run as the highest scoring defender of the week in Portland’s 0-0 draw with Vancouver. The Timbers have enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence following their terrible start and Powell has been at the heart of it with a couple of really strong performances, including the nine tackles he won against the Whitecaps. Powell is also never shy to jump in to the attack and his ability to get the ball in to the box on the counterattack has made him that much more dangerous.
Honorable Mention Defender: Sean Franklin, DC United; Bobby Boswell, DC United
M: M Diaz, FC Dallas
Diaz was an absolute stud for FC Dallas in its 4-1 win over Houston as he registered a goal and an assist as well as two shots on target and five tackles won. Diaz has ranked in the middle of the pack among MLS midfielders this season but he registered the most impressive stat line of the week for his position as Dallas put on a clinic versus their in-state rivals from Houston.
M: Clint Dempsey, Seattle
One of the most attractive midfielders on the board when he is available for Seattle, Dempsey put on an absolute show for the Sounders in their 3-1 win over New York City FC. He finished with a game-winning goal, an assist, two shots on goal, three fouls won and one successful cross. Dempsey was all over the field for Seattle in their win and his consistent play all year for the Sounders makes him an excellent option every time he is in the lineup.
Honorable Mention Midfielder: Mehdi Ballouchy, New York City FC; Giles Barnes, Houston
F: Fabian Castillo, FC Dallas
Only Toronto FC’s Sebastian Giovinco and Vancouver’s Octavio Rivero have posted better fantasy numbers among MLS forwards than Castillo this season and he struck again in Dallas’ lopsided win over the Dynamo. Castillo was in on three of Dallas’ four goals as he scored a highlight reel goal and added two assists in the victory. It’s important not to become too committed to one player in fantasy leagues but Castillo has definitely been consistent enough this season to expect this type of production.
F: Obafemi Martins, Seattle
Speaking of consistency, Martins has also been very good for Seattle from the outset and he continued his strong play with two goals on as many shots on target in the Sounders 3-1 win over New York City. The two markers pushed Martins in to sole possession of the MLS goal scoring lead with six on the season and considering his excellent form all year, the Sounders would love to see him put the ball on target even more moving forward. Plus he can do this:
Honorable Mention Forward: Sebastian Giovinco, Toronto FC; Fabian Espindola, DC United
