Photo by Brad Smith/ISIphotos.com

By ALAN LEDBETTER

So much for that league-wide scoring drought.

Many players turned in big fantasy outputs last week as scoring picked back up in MLS.

For some teams, it was even hard to tell that stars were missing. With San Jose's main attacking threat, Chris Wondolowski, out for the Gold Cup, Steven Lenhart continued to play well at forward. He took advantage of the situation by scoring a hat trick, along with adding an assist in the Earthquakes' game vs. D.C. United.

Some players will be heading back to their club teams this week as their teams get knocked out of the Gold Cup, so be aware who progresses so you know if you can play your star players this week.

Here are a few more items to consider before setting your fantasy lineup this week:

MULTIPLE GAMES

New England and Toronto each have two games this week. New England has lost its last four games, but with two home games against Toronto and Chicago, the Revs have a great chance to break their losing streak and get some good results. Select New England players are good plays this week.

I would avoid playing any Toronto players this week. They had an inspiring late game goal last week in Los Angeles to salvage a point, but it will be hard for them to grab any points this week at New England and at home against Seattle.

FANTASY MLS WEEK 15 BEST XI

GK – Tally Hall, HOU – Hall has a good opportunity to get a shutout vs. Columbus, whose attack hasn’t been in full sync this year. Robbie Rogers being in the Gold Cup doesn’t help the Crew's cause, either.

D – Geoff Cameron, HOU – He got on the score sheet last week in Houston’s home game vs. Chivas and is a midfielder listed as a defender. He is a threat to score in every game for Houston and is way too valuable to leave off any fantasy team.

D – Jamison Olave, RSL – Always a target on set pieces, Olave should get many chances to take advantage of D.C. United’s young back line with a home game at Rio Tinto.

D – Heath Pearce, CHV – Has proven to be a very valuable player for Chivas USA since he was acquired from FC Dallas. With his old team coming into town this week, he will look to make a big impact on the game.

M – Shalrie Joseph, NE – The New England captain chose to stay with his club team instead of representing Grenada in the Gold Cup. He will have two home games to make an impact for his team and prove that his decision was the right one.

M – Jean Alexandre, RSL – Alexandre is playing forward for Real Salt Lake while their main stars are on international duty. He has responded well by notching a goal and two assists in their last three games. Should contribute to the attack again this week with a home game vs. DC United.

M – Graham Zusi, KC – Was the key player in Sporting Kansas City’s away win at Dallas. With a salary of only 63, he is a valuable option in the midfield with Kansas City’s favorable schedule (more home games than anyone else) the rest of the season.

M – Brad Davis, HOU – MLS leader with nine assists on the season. Davis is the playmaker for Houston and should be able to enhance his fantasy stats with a home game vs. Columbus this week.

F – Thierry Henry, NY – Has seven goals and three assists on the season and is a must-start every week for fantasy owners when he's fit. The New York attack relies heavily on Henry while they are missing a bulk of their starters to international duty and he should deliver with a goal or an assist this week.

F – Fabian Espindola, RSL – Has scored two goals in Real Salt Lake’s last three games and is finding his form after a rough stretch.

F – Omar Bravo, SKC – Had chances but couldn’t finish in Sporting Kansas City’s home opener vs. Chicago last week. He should be able to have those same chances and finish them in their home game this week vs. San Jose.

Coach – Jason Kreis, RSL – With a home game vs. D.C., Kreis’ team is the safest bet to get three points this week.

INJURY WATCH

For injury news, check out the most updated MLS injury report. Also, don’t forget to check out the latest disciplinary report for players serving suspensions.

The deadline for Week 15 is Wednesday at 7 p.m. Be sure to change your lineups by then.

SBI League Standings (Top 10)
1. La Flama Blanca………………304 points
2. Hungate XI………………………..303
3. ArsenBulls………………………..291
4. Berkeley Chargers……………289
5. The Fighting Heydudes…….285
6. Xaviniesta…………………………283
7. Joga Bonito………………………282
8. ChicagoFire8……………………281
9. McGruber FC…………………….280
T10. Waterbury FC………………..278
T10. I <3 MLS………………………..278

LAST WEEK'S SBI LEAGUE TOP SCORERS

Sepp Blatter Infection (40 points)

————————-Johnson(12)———————-
———-Ream(0)——Cameron(6)——Loyd(-1)——–
–Lindpere(1)—Convey–(2)–Morales(0)–Zakuani(0)–
—Bunbury(0)———Agudelo(0)———Lenhart(17)—

Coach: Backe(3)

SBI Prediction League Standings (Top 10)
1. 4evr Orange……………………………270 points
2. HANDtoBALLS……………………….257
3. Lancergolfer87………………………256
4. Los Diabolitos……………………….254
5. I <3 MLS…………………………………248
T6. Cheeky BackHeel…………………247
T6. STL Orange………………………….247
8. Sage Runners 2011……………….246
9. Pogon1966…………………………….233
10. Oranje Blur……………………………231

LAST WEEK'S SBI PREDICTION LEAGUE TOP SCORERS

Sage Runners 2011 (28 points: 3 exact, 2 correct margin)

TSV AC CD Generic FC (28 points: 1 exact, 3 correct margin, 1 tie, 1 correct)

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Which teams have the best matchup this week? Who is in for the biggest fantasy week? Which players are you going to pick up?

Share your thoughts below.