The Olimpico: MLS Week 24

One would be ill advised to ever consider firing on frame from the corner spot. This objective is not for the faint-of-heart, it is reserved solely for those with the steeliest of nerves and the most brazen of personas. But, when the keeper is out of position, the ultimate combination of glory, fame, and lore resides on the end of such an audacious attempt. That’s an Olimpico.

These are the lowest of the low cost MLS Fantasy options that could pay off with more than the 2 point participation award, liberating cash for you to apply toward higher priced commodities. The constraints I have applied are players less than $5.0m for defenders, and less that $6.0m for midfielders and forwards. Here is my list of enablers for gameweek 24, from back to front:

~

Mohamed El-Munir, Defender (Orlando City SC, $4.7m)

El-Munir has been lining up on the front line of the Purple Lions’ 4-3-3. With Yohsimar Yotun missing via red card suspension and Sacha Kljestan questionable through injury, someone must take charge of the attack for Orlando. The largest drawback with this play is the near-zero chance of earning a clean sheet to go with any offensive output.

Harry Shipp, Midfielder (Seattle Sounders, $6.0m)

While he is a far cry from his early years with the Chicago Fire, he has solidified a role on the left side of Seattle’s 4-2-3-1. He has created a nice on-field relationship with Niuhu Tolo that allows him to work more inside as part of the attack.

Gianluca Busio, Midfielder (Sporting Kansas City, $5.0m)

The teenage talent made is first start for Sporting last week, providing the assist on the lone goal of the match. On top of the assist, Busio picked up bonus points, 4 total, both offensively and defensively. If he makes the starting lineup, he is well worth the consideration against an Los Angeles FC side that was taken to penalties midweek.

Alexi Gomez, Midfielder (Minnesota United, $5.7m)

The Loons’ winger has put up a minimum of 4 points in each of his last seven starts, none of which include a goal or an assist. With the trade of Christian Ramirez, Minnesota will be searching in-house to replace his attacking production. A match-up with the Los Angeles Galaxy could provide an opportunity to Gomez to break through.

Patrick Mullins, Forward (Colombus Crew, $5.5m)

In the Crew’s last game, Mullins came of the bench and subbed into the number-ten. Federico Higuain’s status for this weekend’s match is still up in the air. Should the former D.C. United man get the nod in Columbus playmaker’s absence, the chips could fall into place for Mullins. Their opponents, the Houston Dynamo, are dealing with multiple suspensions and a midweek U.S. Open Cup match that went penalties. All the while, the Crew had a bye last week, and the reacquired Justin Meram. All of that could see the budget forward fall into a plethora of point scoring opportunities.

Now, under no circumstance am I recommending that you fill your lineup with these players. I am suggesting you entertain the idea of putting a few in your lineup to allow for spending on more proven assets. I currently have one in my lineup, and I am considering adding one of Alexi Gomez, Gianluca Busio, or Patrick Mullins, depending on how the lineups shake out. Simply stated, tread lightly.

~

Do you have the intestinal fortitude to place any of these players in your lineup? Or, have you made some thrifty selections of your own? Let us know in the comments below!

~