By ALAN LEDBETTER

The Seattle Sounders and FC Dallas seemed unaffected this past week after the loss of their star players, but can their success continue on to the rest of the season?

This week, Seattle is one of four teams to play two games, so that means more opportunities for players to gain or lose points. Be aware that starting a player who has two games, but also has unfavorable matchups, could result in negative fantasy points. Make sure you're confident in both matchups your fantasy player has this week.

The highest-profile matchup this week is a clash between two big-market teams, the Los Angeles Galaxy and New York Red Bulls. These two teams both have offensive firepower and solid defenses. The history of this matchup has proven to have some exciting, high-scoring games. But along with that there have been many low scoring affairs. Be cautious when playing the stars from these teams as the game could go either way.

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

MULTIPLE GAMES

D.C. United (vs. Sea., vs. Dal.), Seattle (at D.C., at Clb.), Houston (vs. Col., at Tor.), and Colorado (vs. Hou., vs. N.E.) all play two games this week. I would load up on Houston players again this week, as they have two games against teams that are struggling offensively. D.C. has two home games, but its young defense has been leaking many goals as of late. Its midfielders and forwards are good plays but be cautious of their defenders and goalkeeper.

BYE WEEK

San Jose and Kansas City are both off this week. Be sure to alter your lineup accordingly.

FANTASY-FRIENDLY MATCHUPS

Real Salt Lake vs. Chivas USA

Real Salt Lake is coming off a very disappointing week. After losing the CONCACAF Champions League final midweek, RSL traveled to Portland and lost again. This is very unlike the Salt Lake team that was a preseason favorite to win the Supporter’s Shield. I expect them rebound with a big win at Rio Tinto vs. Chivas USA.

Nat Borchers and the rest of the RSL defense are great plays this week. They are primed to get shutout points. Even though Chivas is coming off a big win, I don’t see the Goats being able to handle RSL they way they did New England.

Chicago Fire vs. Vancouver Whitecaps

Vancouver and Chicago have allowed the 2nd- and 3rd-most goals in the league this year, respectively. This game is likely to be a high-scoring affair. Chicago has proven that it can score in bunches, and Vancouver is a team that they can do that against.

Marco Pappa and Diego Chaves will likely lead the Chicago attack this week as they are poised to put up some big fantasy stats. I would stay away from Vancouver players this week, as it will be harder from them to score playing away at Chicago.

INJURY WATCH

Teemu Tainio left last week’s game at halftime with an injury. Conor Casey has yet to return from a hamstring strain he picked up. …  For other 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 9 is Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. ET. Be sure to change your lineups by then.

SBI League Standings (Top 10)
1. Hungate XI………………………….196 points
2. Disc Golf for Dynamo………….184
3. Syracuse Salty Dog…………….173
4. Hrycaldo……………………………..170
5. Waterbury FC………………………168
6. Ballers………………………………..168
T7. Poor Marking……………………..163
T7. Hangover City…………………….163
9. ArsenBulls…………………………..162
10. birthsoccerdeath………………..160

LAST WEEK'S SBI LEAGUE TOP SCORERS

Hungate XI (52 points)

————————-Coundoul(9)———————-
—-Balchan(0)——Cameron(10)———-Boyens(5)–
–Beckham(0)—DeRosario–(4)–Davis(9)–Donovan(3)–
——Angel(3)——–Bruin(15)——–Davies(-3)—

Coach: Arena(0)

SBI Prediction League Standings (Top 10)
1. Driscoll’s Boys………………………..139 points
2. Bogdanov FK ………………………….138
3. 4evr Orange…………………………….135
T4. Winning!………………………………..134
T4. Sharpness FC……………………….130
T6. My Ching-A-Ling…………………….130
T6. HANDtoBALLS……………………….129
8. SPARTAK SD……………………………128
9. Pagon1966………………………………126
T10. Lancergolfer87…………………….124

LAST WEEK'S SBI PREDICTION LEAGUE TOP SCORER

The Spritely Meemaws (32 points: 3 exact, 1 correct margin, 3 correct)

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Which teams do you think have the best matchup this week? How do you think the LA-NY game will turn out? What is your roster looking like?

Share your thoughts below.