Hope you are following along on twitter (@the4thDP), as apparently that is the only way I can find a winner. We hit some games and anytime goalscorers there after lineups dropped.

Philly, Austin, Orlando, Vancouver, and LAFC all played in CCL midweek. Austin and Orlando will play on the road this weekend as well as midweek, just something to keep an eye on as the fixtures stack up.

Let’s take a look at the weekend’s slate. I really like some of the spots this week.

CLTFC v Atlanta

The early kickoff is an interesting spot in the South. Charlotte were shook against St. Louis in their home opener and gifted them a goal from a poor back pass to the GK. The second in St. Louis’s two games. Charlotte has conceded 4 goals but is there anything to worry about? They came off a rebound from blocked shot, a PK, an own goal, and that terrible pass attempt to Sisniega. The attack is more worrying to me right now. Lattanzio is moving everyone around trying to find the right front 4. For Charlotte to be win, they need to have a good game from their wingers.

Look for Charlotte to be direct in transition as Atlanta will push Gutman up to attack, leaving a gap in the defending LB spot. If there is every a time for Gaines to actually do something in attack, you would think this is the situation for him to show up.

Atlanta have a win and a draw at home but nothing really dominant. They needed Almada to bail them out in stoppage time Week 1 vs SJ and let Toronto hang around last week. Their defense has been solid allowing just 1.3xGA so far. And GG might get the start after his visa was cleared. However, I worry about this being their first game away from the Benz.

• Nothing now. CLT maybe after lineups.

Vancouver v FCD

A strong midweek performance from the ‘Caps was much needed after blowing early leads in both of their MLS games. It also allowed them to rest some guys and with back-to-back home games, no travel requirements. I can see Vite and Gauld creating a multitude of chances at BC Place. But the midweek match causes me to hesitate from playing them pre-lineups.

I worry about FCD on the road. Year-after-year the club struggles so much traveling to the Cascadia teams. Since 2016 (except for the COVID year), FCD is 2-6-12 at Vancouver, Seattle, and Portland (1-1-4 at Vancouver specifically).

FCC v Seattle

This has potential to be the game of the weekend. FCC typically are high flying and score plenty of goals at home led by the front three of Acosta, Brenner, and Vazquez. Seattle have looked like the CONCACAF champions they were this time last year. Heber has filled in brilliantly for Ruidiaz at the #9 role and even leads the league with 2.9xG, although just two games so take that with a grain of salt.

Will we look back at this game in a month or so and ask ourselves why were Seattle +250? Maybe, but I want to see this Seattle D actually face a test. The feeble offenses of RSL and Colorado showed me nothing, so this should be a good test.

RSL v Austin

Just a terrible spot for Austin. After losing as a -1500 favorite in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday, they have to travel cross country and into the altitude. Plus, Austin lost another CB to injury. That’s three already this year.

RSL home opener, and this is where Pablo’s team stacks points. The last two years they average about 1.9 PPG at home. It’s a tough place to play without midweek travel. Kreilach and Savarino should wreak havoc to create chances. Plus, Austin’s CB weakness should show on set pieces where RSL thrive. It might be work a sprinkle on Justen Glad anytime as he is always dangerous in the air.

• RSL ML +120

DC v Orlando

Another CCL team that has two road games this week. Orlando played in Mexico Tuesday night and will have to travel up to DC. Orlando went with a strong lineup in CCL and played well. Albeit lucky to not concede. So, I expect a similar to the FCC game where they gave up 1.4xG at home.

DC might get a lift with Taxi Fountas coming back from an injury. With or without him, I like this spot for the Wazza’s guys. At home, they should control this game with Orlando retreating into a low-block defense. Mateusz Klich had 7 key passes last week @ Crew and scored week 1 vs Toronto. He can bring the quality needed to break down the low block.

• DC -0.25 -105

SKC v LAG

Interesting note here is that Vanney is 0-5-4 lifetime against Vermes (from SKC’s website). SKC home opener after two vanilla performances at Portland and Colorado. I would expect a lift this week. Additionally, Pulido was a full participant in practice and the SKC attack needs more quality. When Pulido was healthy in the past, SKC played like a playoff team.

I think Voloder has been SKC’s best player early, breaking up everything in the midfield. He will need to keep that up against Riqui Puig. Galaxy’s defensive woes could show again this week with back-to-back trips to the midwest.

• SKC ML +140

LAFC v NE Revs

Another team in a tough travel spot and quick turnaround. LAFC played Thursday in Costa Rica. I always worry about this early in the season as conditioning may not be 100%. So, I expect significant squad rotation especially for the 30+ players in Vela and Chiellini. And they went with a strong starting 11 on Thursday.

NE have been impressive to start the season. They might have the best back 4 + GK in the league. Borrero has stepped up and given them a Tajon Buchanan-like athlete to create on the wing while Gil controls the middle. 17-year-old Noel Buck doesn’t look out of place in the side, too.

• Revs +1.25 or +1

Fantasy