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Reminder #1: The cut off time to make roster changes is 15 minutes prior to the scheduled kick off of the first match of the week. This week, that deadline is 6:45 pm ET on Wednesday, May 9.
Reminder #2: Colorado Rapids, Portland Timbers and Toronto FC all have a bye this week.
Top Player in Week 9: Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes) – 18 points
Key Injuries: OUT – Marvin Chávez, Nick Rimando, Marvell Wynne, Zac MacMath, Omar Cummings
With Seattle, Houston and New York all playing multiple games this week, there are some intriguing pickups available at bargain prices. Houston have seven games in the next four weeks and Seattle have five games in the next three weeks, so using a transfer on them now will be beneficial for quite some time. With that said, here are my picks for Week 10.
Osvaldo Alonso, $8.0m, Seattle Sounders (36 points, T-12 among midfielders)
Alonso isn’t flashy, he doesn’t score goals and he’ll rarely get you an assist, but he makes up for it in other ways. In the last five games he’s been extremely consistent – averaging 5.2 points per game. He’s had double-digit recoveries in all but one game and his 98 total leads all (field) players. Seattle have five clean sheets already so he’s getting an extra point for those as well. With two games coming up this week, look for Alonso to put in another solid performance. Last week, he racked up 10 points, so I expect something similar to that again this week.
Will Bruin, $7.8m, Houston Dynamo (34 points, 13 among forwards)
Houston will benefit from a multi-gamer three out of the next four weeks and Bruin seems like the only legitimate scorer the Dynamo have at the moment. There’s no reason to think he can’t add another goal or two and, at just $7.8m, he’s reasonably priced based on production and potential. He’ll also benefit from a healthy Brad Davis, who got some minutes as a sub in Week 8. His service will only increase Bruin’s stock in the coming weeks.
Mauro Rosales, $9.8m, Seattle Sounders (22 points, 10 key passes)
Seattle looked fast and dominant this past week thanks in large part to Rosales. The injury looks like a thing of the past, although lingering pain still forces him to receive injections before each game. Last week, Rosales tallied 18 points to lead all midfielders. In the last three games since returning, he’s played 207 of a possible 270 minutes. In that span he’s had seven crosses, 10 key passes and 17 recoveries. His price has actually dropped $200K, so if you want an elite player at a discounted price, now is your chance. Rosales probably won’t play the full 180 minutes this week, but he’s a threat regardless.
Connor Lade, $4.4m, New York Red Bulls (301/810 minutes played)
Lade has improved his game tremendously over the past two weeks – averaging 6.5 recoveries, 8.0 CBI’s and 9 points per game. So, are Red Bulls defenders suddenly red hot? New York have logged clean sheets in back-to-back games, and with two more matches this week, there’s no reason to think they can’t get another. If Roy Miller returns from injury, look for Lade to stay in the lineup and move to the right side. At $4.4m, you should have some extra money left over to upgrade at other positions too,.
*CBI’s – (Clearances, blocks and interceptions combined)
Bryan Meredith,$3.9m, Seattle Sounders (1 start, 1 save, 1 clean sheet)
When Seattle keeper Michael Gspurning left with a minor injury in Week 8, 22-year-old Meredith saw a brief window open up. The Sounders have five clean sheets on the season, and now Meredith has one of his own. With a great team in front of him and two games coming up, Meredith is not only an inexpensive option, but a solid one. Gspurning will most likely be out for only another week or two so now is your best shot at capitalizing on the situation. How good does $3.9m sound?
Honorable Mentions: possible starters … MF Tressor Moreno (SJ), MF Andy Najar (DC), FW Justin Meram (CLB), GK Kyle Reynish (RSL), GK Chase Harrison (PHI), DF Tyrone Marshall (COL), MF Kamani Hill (COL), FW Scott Sealy (DAL)
The Most
Most added transfer this week: Will Bruin
Most dropped transfer this week: Thierry Henry
