Good performances from FCC and Vancouver last week, as we finally find a profitable week. A quick preview this week, look on twitter for more when lineups drop.

An interesting league-wide trend is the lower scoring to start this year. Doyle wrote about it in his MLSsoccer.com article that “goals per game is down at a record low of 2.45, which is just a tick under the all-time record set back in 2010 of 2.46 goals per game. “Last year the league clocked in at 2.96 goals per game, which is one of the highest-scoring seasons we’ve ever recorded.” This carries across to xG numbers, too. I have about 2.5xG/game in 2023, and it was closer to 2.9xG/game in 2022. Maybe this week every over will hit and it will all return to normal.

Vancouver v Portland

The ‘Caps destroyed 10-man Montreal last weekend. Then, lost midweek in a quick turnaround to LAFC in CCL. Now, have their third game (all at home) in seven days. Vancouver ranks towards the bottom in squad value, so their depth will be tested. One depth piece that has shown a fit is Simon Becher. Becher is getting more minutes with Cordova on the injury report and has 3 goals in just 111 minutes in MLS. Vanni’s boys look improved with a strong midfield, but rely heavily on crosses to create chances (2nd most in the league with 26/game according to WhoScored.com). Plus, Vancouver have lost points from winning positions in 4 out of their 6 games, not a great recipe for a ‘minus-money’ favorite. I’m willing to play against a side that just won 5-nil.

Portland began the year as the most injured team in the league, but now those players are starting to trickle back into the lineup. Most notably, Dairon Asprilla was able to play 30 minutes last week and got the assist on the tying goal. Portland still don’t have any reliable #9, and Asprilla was Portland’s best goal threat all last year. I trust Savarese to whip this team into shape to grind out at least a point on the road.

Plays

• Timbers +0.5 and ML sprinkle
• SKC-Rapids Draw
• NYRB o2.5 (both teams due for some positive finishing)
• NE o2.5 (The Carles Gil Show is back!)

Fantasy