Now that the fantasy season is in full stride, there are a number of different factors that come into play. If you don't pay attention to them, you could lose some very valuable points for your team.
1. International competitions/friendlies: These are coming into play this week. Dylan Butler has written an outstanding article on MLSnet.com about the players that will be playing for their countries in the coming weeks.
2. Discipline: Yellow card accumulations will begin to take their toll soon , with many players only two yellow cards away from suspension. You can find that here.
3. Schedule changes: Since the schedule was first put out, there have been a few changes. You can check that here.
4. Retirements: Those of you that had Jeff Curtin on your team will be disappointed to find that he has retired. You'll also probably be disappointed to find that you're not doing so well in MLSFC!
This week's focus: Top midfielders in MLSFC:
Robbie Rogers (CLB, $180,000, 90 pts.) With the Olympics coming up this year, the 21-year-old has picked a great time to show his stuff to those involved with the selection process. His 5 goals to start the season have certainly opened some eyes. Look for his production to continue, but remember to take him off your team once the Olympics begin. Right now, the best bargain in MLSFC.
Cuauhtemoc Blanco (CHI, $395,000, 86 pts.) The player that all U.S. soccer fans love to hate has become the player MLS fans love to watch! With a spectacular game this past weekend (a goal and three assists), Blanco should be moving up the charts in fantasy. Get him now while you can.
David Beckham (LA, $588,000, 72 pts.) Another goal this past weekend, which is not what he's known for. The former England captain has continued to sparkle this season, teaming with Landon Donovan to form a dynamic duo that has lead LA into first place in the West. Other than going away for some England friendlies, there doesn't look like there's any stopping him now.
Sacha Kljestan (CHV, $215,000, 61 pts.) An undervalued fantasy selection, Sacha has had an outstanding start to the season. The fifth overall selection in the 2006 MLS SuperDraft has four goals and three assists to start the season. Look for him to continue this pace until he goes to the Olympics.
Christian Gomez (COL, $243,000, 53 pts.) What a great pick-up for Clavijo and the Rapids. His two goals and four assists are a major reason why the Rapids are in the race for the top spot in the West. Look for his production to continue through the season.
Tip(s) of the week: There are many international friendlies beginning this week. Check your team to see if you have any of the players going away for these games. Some are listed on rosters for the USA, but will only be playing in the states and will not miss any league games. Remember that Houston and Dallas play twice this week, D.C. and Houston play twice next week, and Chicago and Kansas City are idle this week.
This week's Top XI for points:
Goalkeeper: Nick Rimando (RSL). The 28-year-old Rimando was the MLS saves leader last year. Look for him to pick up his second shutout of the season this week with a home game against San Jose.
Defender: Bobby Boswell (HOU). The undrafted 3-year veteran plays two games this week, one at home against the Red Bulls, and one away against FC Dallas, giving him multiple opportunities for points.
Defender: Chris Albright (NE). The Virginia alumnus was a former forward who can give you some good offense coming out of your backline. Playing at home against a D.C. United that has struggled to score goals away from home should give him the chance for shutout points here.
Defender: Nat Borchers (RSL). After being away from MLS for two seasons with Odd Grenland in Norway's first division, Borchers is back with his physical style of play. With a home game against San Jose this week, look for Borchers to help keep a shutout.
Midfielder: Christian Gomez (COL). D.C. United could really use the two goals and four assists that this playmaker has produced so far this season. With a home game against FCD this week, count on Gomez adding to these totals.
Midfielder: Guillermo Barros Schelotto (CLB). The Crew play a Chivas USA team that has its top six defenders out with injuries. Look for the crafty Argentinean to work some of his magic in this game.
Midfielder: Stuart Holden (HOU). The 22-year-old Olympic hopeful has been slowed by injury to begin the season. After his breakthrough season of last year with five goals and five assists, he has only collected one assist so far this season. His form is just beginning to come back in the last two weeks. Look for him to break out this week with two games on the schedule.
Midfielder: Arturo Alvarez (DAL). Another Olympic hopeful who has begun to tail off recently. Look for the 5-year veteran to break out this week with two games on the agenda and add to his two goals and two assists.
Forward: Omar Cummings (COL). The University of Cinncinnati product has been a surprise this year, accumulating three goals and one assist so far this season. With a home game against FCD this week, look for him to add to those totals.
Forward: Franco Caraccio (HOU). With two games this week on the schedule, look for the 21-year-old Argentinian to collect some points for you. His has scored two goals and provided an assist so far this season.
Forward: Kenny Cooper (DAL). Another forward with two games this week to add to his impressive start of five goals and one assist. Look for him to collect a goal or two here.
Our official teams for Week 10:
Dave:
GK Nick Rimando; DF Marco Velez; DF Bobby Boswell; DF Marc Burch; MF Arturo Alvarez; MF Marcelo Gallardo; MF Christian Gomez; MF Robbie Rogers; MF Sacha Kljestan; FW Hector Carracio; FW Kenny Cooper. Coach Dominic Kinnear. Bench: FW Landon Donovan, MF Amado Guevara, FW Luciano Emilio.
Traded: GK Greg Sutton for GK Nick Rimando, GK Jon Busch for MF Arturo Alvarez, and Coach John Carver for Coach Dominic Kinnear. Moved: Landon Donovan, Luciano Emilio and Amado Guevara to bench. Sacha Kljestan to MF, Hector Carracio to FW, and Arturo Alvarez to MF.
Jimmy:
GK Nick Rimando; DF Marc Burch; DF Eddie Robinson; DF Marco Velez; MF Marcelo Gallardo; MF Sacha Kljestan; MF Robbie Rogers; MF Christian Gomez; FW Kenny Cooper; FW Luciano Emilio; FW Brian Ching. Coach: Dominic Kinnear. Bench: MF Amado Guevara, FW Landon Donovan, MF Cuauhtemoc Blanco.
Traded: GK Greg Sutton for GK Nick Rimando; MF David Beckham for FW Brian Ching; Coach Ruud Gullit for Coach Dominic Kinnear. Moved: MF Robbie Rogers, MF Sacha Kljestan to Starting Lineup. MF Amado Guevara and MF Landon Donovan to Bench.
Next week's focus: We take a look at the top defenders in MLSFC.
Questions? Comments? Contact us at mlsfantasygurus@comcast.net.
