This article is part of our MLS Fantasy Strategies series.
After a brief respite for the international tournaments, Major League Soccer is back in full swing. Rust from the over two-week hiatus was evident last week - both on the field and on our fantasy teams! With an average score of a meager 39 points in Round 14, the Round 15 double game week could not come at a better time. Let's take a closer look at some of the top options at each position who play twice in Round 15.:| DGW Teams | Wed, June 22 | Sat, June 25 |
| LA Galaxy | vs. Colorado Rapids | at San Jose Earthquakes |
| New York Red Bulls^ | at Real Salt Lake | at Columbus Crew SC |
| Philadelphia Union* | vs. Chicago Fire | vs. Vancouver Whitecaps |
| Real Salt Lake | vs. New York Red Bulls | at FC Dallas |
* - both games at home
^ - both games on the road
FORWARDS
Bradley Wright-Phillips ($11.1m)
BWP was held scoreless for the first time in three games on Sunday after erupting for five goals and 33 fantasy points the two games prior. Yes, both games are on the road, but Real Salt Lake and the Columbus Crew are both exploitable in defense. Given the extended break the league just took, I'm not too worried about the busy schedule and am banking on BWP to get back on the scoresheet in Round 15.
Fabian Herbers ($5.0m)
Herbers has quietly strung together some noteworthy fantasy performances over the last three games. The rookie earned his first start of the season on Saturday and drew a penalty kick - good for a two-point bonus in fantasy. In the two games before that, he had a goal and an assist in limited minutes off the bench. While usual starter C.J. Sapong should return to action this round, he'll likely be eased back into the mix. If you're looking for a budget friendly DGW forward, Herbers is your guy.
Other forwards to consider: Mike Magee (LA Galaxy; $7.3m); Joao Plata/Burrito Martinez/Yura Movsisyan (Real Salt Lake; $9.5m/$8.9m/$8.8m)
MIDFIELDER
Sacha Kljestan ($12.0m)
With Mike Grella doing the heavy lifting in New York's win over Seattle on Sunday, Kljestan was subbed off with 30 minutes to go. His three fantasy points were a bit of a letdown after back-to-back two-assist, 11-point outings during the Red Bulls' offensive explosion. His price is tough to swallow, but with two games in Round 15 and another game against New York City FC in Round 16, Kljestan is at the top of the DGW midfielder heap.
Other midfielders to consider: Javier Morales (Real Salt Lake; $9.4m), Mike Grella (New York Red Bulls; $5.7m); Chris Pontius (Philadelphia Union; $7.2m); Tranquillo Barnetta (Philadelphia Union; $8.0m)
DEFENDER
Aurelien Collin ($8.2m)
Collin came off the bench Sunday, likely in lieu of New York's busy schedule that has them playing three games in seven days. Before that he strung together three straight eight-point fantasy performances and has been a stalwart in the back since joining his new team. Two road games isn't ideal, but Collin will collect defensive bonus points regardless of who or where he's playing. He's also a target on set pieces, so the goal upside is there as a bonus. However, if you do roster him, just be prepared to take a minus-1 for the inevitable yellow card at some point.
Other defenders to consider: Daniel Steres (LA Galaxy; $5.1m); Ken Tribbet (Philadelphia Union; $6.1m); Justin Glad (Real Salt Lake; $5.1m)
GOALKEEPER
Andre Blake ($5.0m)
Two home games against less-than-threatening attacks in the Chicago Fire and Vancouver Whitecaps has Blake at the top of my goalkeeper radar. He had a clean sheet against D.C. United in his last home game and has a good chance at earning another one in Round 15.
Brian Rowe ($4.7m)
One of the best values to be had behind Blake, Rowe has a favorable home game against the Colorado Rapids before closing the round out with the next chapter of the Cali Clasico. Rowe has a combined 14 points over his last two games on the strength of a clean sheet against Sporting KC in L.A.'s last home game.
Other goalkeepers to consider: Luis Robles (New York Red Bulls; $6.3m); Nick Rimando (Real Salt Lake; $6.2m)
