MLS Fantasy Rolls Into the Playoffs

Credit where it's due: Major League Soccer's decision to run its fantasy season through the playoffs was brilliant. Whereas many other games wind up with the regular season, MLS Fantasy offers a chance to rack up huge, league-changing point totals by extending its game into the playoffs.

As we head into the first round of matches, here are my tips and tricks for picking a winning fantasy roster.

Know the Rules: You get 10 transfers before the conference semifinals, so it's OK to load up for the play-in round. When two of those teams get eliminated, you'll be able to swap those players out easily enough and still field a full team in the conference semis.

Here's the breakdown in transfers for the entire playoffs.

Pasted from <http://fantasy.mlssoccer.com/rules/>

It's also worth noting you can have up to 8 players from each team on your roster in the playoffs.

Look ahead: Pick the teams in each conference you think are going to MLS Cup, then load up. I have had some good luck in the past grabbing Galaxy and Dynamo players early, then watching these teams advance to the final and saving myself some transfers.

Go for broke: If you're within striking distance of the top, the only way you're going to make ground is by going against the grain. You have to assume those above you will play it conservatively and pick the best bets. That means you'll have to play your hunches with underdogs. Pick the teams on the road. Stock up on Montreal's back line in case they pull an upset in Houston. Pick eight Sounders. It's just fantasy -- it's no fun if you don't roll the dice.

Best three players by value on each play-in team:

Colorado: Nathan Sturgis ($4.0), Drew Moor ($5.6), and Gabriel Torres ($7.5)

Seattle: Jhon Kennedy Hurtado ($4.4), Lamar Neagle ($6.2), and Clint Dempsey ($8.7)

Montreal: Hassoun Camara ($5.1), Justin Mapp ($6.4), and Marco Di Vaio ($9.8)

Houston: Tally Hall ($6.0), Corey Ashe ($4.8), and Giles Barnes ($6.6)

Best three players overall on each play-in team:

Colorado: Drew Moor ($5.6), Chris Klute ($5.4), and Gabriel Torres ($7.5)

Seattle: Lamar Neagle ($6.2), Clint Dempsey ($8.7), and Eddie Johnson ($9.7)

Montreal: Hassoun Camara ($5.1), Justin Mapp ($6.4), and Marco Di Vaio ($9.8)

Houston: Tally Hall ($6.0), Giles Barnes ($6.6), Brad Davis ($8.9)

Good luck in the playoffs!