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Major League Soccer (MLS) Soccer Picks: San Jose Earthquakes vs. Chicago Fire DraftKings DFS Strategy

Nikhil Kalro preps you for Sunday, July 19th’s 8:00 p.m. ET MLS soccer contest between San Jose Earthquakes and Chicago Fire with DraftKings Captain’s Picks and flex options.

Seattle Sounders FC v San Jose Earthquakes - MLS Is Back Tournament Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

Games from the MLS is Back tournament are coming at a rapid pace. DraftKings’ biggest Showdown contest from the MLS is a top prize of $10,000 for Sunday evening’s game between the San Jose Earthquakes and the Chicago Fire. Here is a look at some players to consider for your DraftKings roster.

Set your DraftKings lineups here: MLS Showdown $50K Counter Attack [$10K to 1st] (CHI vs SJ)


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Captain

Magnus Eriksson ($14,400)

Eriksson plays a crucial playmaking role for the Earthquakes. He usually occupies the attacking midfielder position right behind the solitary striker in the Earthquakes’ preferred 4-2-3-1 formation. He had scored six goals in the 2019-20 season so it’s not farfetched to say he could even contribute with a goal or two.

Other to consider: Cristian Espizona ($15,900)

High-priced flex options

Cristian Espinoza ($10,600)

Espinoza’s 2019-20 season wasn’t very productive. His price has surged on account of his playmaking duties for the Earthquakes this season. He has been pushed wider on the right wing in this new aggressive formation. In the previous game, Espinoza was given a yellow card and had an assist before he was taken off. Expect a much better performance on Sunday.

Robert Beric ($10,200)

Beric scored a goal in the Fire’s 2-1 win before he was substituted against the Sounders in the tournament opener. He had five shots, three of which were on target, in that game. He’s even racked up more than 18 DKFP per game, which is why his price is so high on this slate. He could be a hedging play as well from Chicago.

Chris Wondolowski ($8,800)

Wondolowski needed just nine minutes to get on the scoring sheet in the previous game against the Whitecaps after coming on as a substitute. He has provided the Earthquakes with an avenue for incision offensively. That is not a flash in the pan as was evidenced in the previous season where he had 15 goals, tied for fourth in the MLS in the 2019-20 season.

Other to consider: Alvaro Medran ($8,600).

Value flex options

Andres Rios ($7,600)

Rios initiated the Earthquakes’ stunning turnaround win against Vancouver with a goal on the stroke of halftime after the team went 2-0 down early in the game. He played as the lone striker in that game, and should continue to remain in that position moving forward as well. At a price of just $7,600, Rios should be a valuable target.

C.J. Sapong ($7,800)

While Sapong didn’t do much in the previous game even though the Fire beat the Sounders 2-1, he’s still a pivotal part of this Fire offense. He had scored 13 goals in the previous season but hasn’t opened his “MLS is Back” tournament tally yet. However, in an expected high-scoring contest, his first goal isn’t far away.

Other to consider: Daniel Vega ($6,400)

Set your DraftKings lineups here: MLS Showdown $50K Counter Attack [$10K to 1st] (CHI vs SJ)


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Nikhil Kalro is the Founder and CEO of Altletics Esports.