Having a hard time filling out your fantasy roster? Here’s a look at some of the best values available in MLS Fantasy Soccer: Manager, all for $6.0m or less.
Be sure to snap them up before league play begins this weekend. Rosters freeze for Week 1 at 5:45 pm ET on Saturday.
Donovan Ricketts, goalkeeper, Montreal Impact ($5.5m)
There’s no doubting Ricketts’ ability. In 15 starts last season, the Jamaican posted a 0.77 goals-against average with a 76 percent save percentage. Granted, that came behind a very solid LA Galaxy back line, but Ricketts could be a fantasy bargain once again for the expansion Impact.
Expansion teams generally preach a defense-first mentality, meaning Ricketts could find himself authoring a few shutouts in the less competitive Eastern Conference. GKs rack up a point for every three saves and five for every penalty save, so even if Ricketts is under fire, he’s got a chance to come out a fantasy winner.
Ashtone Morgan, defender, Toronto FC, ($6.0m)
This season’s FS:M game incorporates data from Opta, which should have an interesting impact on fantasy totals. In particular, I believe the one point for every three crosses could make outside backs an undervalued commodity.
The up-and-comer out of the Reds’ youth academy looks poised to be the team’s starting left back, with only MLS journeyman Jeremy Hall behind him. Good speed and crossing ability got the 20-year-old into the Canadian national team setup, making the youngster one to watch in 2012.
Luiz Camargo, midfielder, Houston Dynamo ($6.0m)
Dynamo fans are expecting big things from Camargo in 2012. Credited with helping change Houston’s fortunes in the latter half of last season, the 24-year-old Brazilian playmaker will be supported in the middle of the midfield by the hard-working Adam Moffat. Camargo showed flashes in 2011—that could be enough for a breakout season in 2012? The price is right—we’ll take a chance.
Roger Espinoza, midfielder, Sporting Kansas City ($5.5m)
A starting spot for one of the league’s most potent offense awaits Espinoza. The Honduran international has always been a reliable quantity, starting 49 MLS games in the past two seasons. While he won’t rack up the goals or assists, he could be involved in the buildup of quite a few goals. Since players are rewarded with a point for every three “key passes,” Espinoza is a steal.
Kelyn Rowe, midfielder, New England Revolution ($6.0m)
If you buy into the hype surrounding Rowe, by all means, buy him at the bargain price of $6.0. The rookie figures to get plenty of playing time in Jay Heaps’ setup, while the presence of Benny Feilhaber should draw defenders away from him. It’s always tough for rookie attackers to make an impact right away, but the third pick in the SuperDraft has the best prospects for success.
