Do Fantasy League points provide an insight into how a game will play out? Let’s take a look and see who the top point scores are from each team and how that might impact the game.
Houston Dash vs. Kansas City Current
This game looks as if it could be a pretty even match up – both teams finished the season with 36 points and a 10-6-6- record. Houston is hosting, but that might not be a benefit as they’ve only won 3 games at home. Kansas City, on the other hand, has won 5 games while playing away from home. The Dash ended the season with a goal differential of +8 while the Current ended with 0. On the other hand, Kansas City has 2 wins in their last 3 games – L/W/W while Houston has no wins in their last 3 games- L/D/D.
Looking at the players with the top three fantasy points may give a hint as to the strengths of each team. For Houston, María Sánchez led the Dash in points (MF, 181) followed by Sophie Schmidt (MF, 161) and Katie Naughton (DF, 156) for a total of 498 points. For Kansas City, Hailie Mace led the Current (DF, 179) followed by Alex Loera (DF, 169) and Lo’Eau LaBonta (MF, 164) for a total of 514 points.
Notice anything interesting here? The lack of forwards in the top three hints that the game may be a battle in the midfield, and defenders Naughton and Loera will likely be kept busy by Mace and Sanchez. Top forwards for each team – Houston’s Nichelle Prince (150 points) and Ebony Salmon (119 points), and Kansas CIty’s Cece Kizer (164 points) and Kristen Hamilton (136 points), may have a tough job breaking through.
San Diego Wave vs. Chicago Red Stars
The second game of the day is hard to call based on how each team finished the season. (Check out Marissa’s Match Review). San Diego finished with a 10-6-6 record and Chicago had one more loss, finishing 9-7-6. Chicago has scored more goals (34) than San Diego (32), but San Diego has given up fewer goals (21) than Chicago (28). Both teams finished the season winning two of their last three games, however the Wave has only lost two games at home, while the Red Stars have only won three games on the road.
This game also has a very different look than game one through a fantasy point lens. For San Diego, Alex Morgan led the team in fantasy points (FW, 208) followed by Taylor Kornieck (MF, 195) and Naomi Girma (DF, 156), for a total of 559 points. For Chicago, Mallory Pugh led the Red Stars (FW, 234) followed by Tatumn Milazzo (DF, 214) and Vanessa DiBernardo (MF,177), with a total of 625 points.
Notice anything interesting here? One noticeable difference in this match is that both teams have a player in each field position leading in fantasy points as well as a top scoring forward leading the team. A key part of this game may be which defense can hold off two of the top forwards in the league – and Milazzo and Girma are two top defenders to watch. The home field advantage may be what the Wave will need to take home a win on this game, but the Red Stars have fought hard this season against many obstacles. This should be an exciting match!
Both games likely hold some surprises – who do you have winning each game? Let us know in the comments!