clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Best lineup strategy for Sky Blue FC-OL Reign Showdown

We go over DFS options for Tuesday’s matchup between Sky Blue FC and OL Reign in the NWSL Challenge Cup.

Portland Thorns midfielder Midge Purce looks for a cross during the second half of the North Carolina Courage 4-1 victory over the Portland Thorns on May 30, 2018, at Providence Park, Portland, OR. Photo by Diego Diaz/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The National Women’s Soccer League has gotten its season underway with a tournament in Utah, and DraftKings has DFS contests available. Tuesday evening Sky Blue FC and Reign FC square off at 10:00 p.m. ET and you can set lineups here. Below, we break down some ideal Showdown lineup strategies ahead of the game.

Captain’s Picks

Injuries will keep Carli Lloyd, Mallory Pugh, and Caprice Dydasco from competing while Megan Rapinoe has opted not to play, but there are still plenty of other quality options to choose from. Midge Purce ($13,500) is one Sky Blue option to consider. She was among the league leaders last season with eight goals and led her team. She’ll be expected to carry a heavier workload offensively with Pugh and Lloyd out.

Whether Jess Fishlock ($16,200) can return to form after an ACL tear remains to be seen, but she’s one of the best attacking midfielders in the game when healthy. English international Jodie Taylor ($14,400) might not be an ideal 9, but was Seattle’s second leading scorer last year with five goals. As the target player of top, she should have an opportunity to create her fair share of chances.

Flex Plays

McCall Zerboni ($6,000) is set to make her Sky Blue debut after being traded over the offseason. Previously, she played a key role for the North Carolina Courage over three seasons, finishing as an MVP finalist in 2018. The central midfielder is expected to provide leadership and help improve culture. She should be very involved, as the Sky Blue sent away a top prospect in Hailie Mace to bring in the 33-year-old veteran.

Kailen Sheridan ($4,200) is dirt cheap and has led the NWSL in saves for two straight years. Both sides could be a little rusty, and Sheridan’s opponents will be without some key attackers. Even if she doesn’t get the win, her bargain price makes her worth rostering.