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, August 15.
Reminder #2: Every team plays at least one game in Fantasy Round 25, but be sure to take note of all the international call-ups.
Top Player in Round 24: Landon Donovan – 19 points
Key Injuries: OUT – Daniel Woolard, Shea Salinas, Logan Pause (DOUBTFUL – Jay DeMerit, Jamison Olave, Dwayne De Rosario)
In Round 25 of Fantasy Soccer: Manager, we once again get the chance to take advantage of those teams playing multiple games in a single round. At the same time, you have to take note of many international call-ups across the league. Most of those players should be back in time for their clubs' weekend matchups, but you never know what to expect from them after games of this magnitude. You’ll also have to rely on Tuesday’s injury report when submitting your lineup.
The Columbus Crew and Toronto FC each play two games this round as well as the following round (26), so don’t hesitate to invest more in these players than others. With that said, here are five guys that could help land you huge points in Fantasy Round 25.
Torsten Frings, $7.9m, Toronto FC (73 points, 113 recoveries)
In the last four rounds Frings has 42 recoveries and 31 total points. Twenty-four of his 31 crosses and 18 of his 29 key passes have come in the last seven rounds. The former German international has also been working extremely well with rookie Luis Silva in the attacking half. Look for Frings to guide his team to at least one victory in Round 25. Toronto FC are the only team hosting both of their games this week, and with home-field advantage playing a huge factor in most MLS games, look for them to come out strong and attack relentlessly until the final whistle blows. (Teammate to pick up – Luis Silva, $5.5m)
Chris Pontius, $7.8m, D.C. United (82 points, 12th among forwards)
Pontius has dropped slightly in the rankings among forwards, but look for him to come out shooting as United have any shot at try to play their way out of a modest slump this week. With both Maicon Santos and Hamdi Salihi questionable due to injuries, Pontius should see plenty of playing time up top or on the wing. Hopefully for him, DeRo can bounce back from missing last week's game in Kansas City and help D.C.'s output on the attacking end. Regardless, United have back-to-back weeks coming up with multiple games so Pontius, the MVP of this year's MLS All-Star Game, should get plenty of looks at goal. Plus, he’s more affordable than any other forward with over 80 points. (Teammate to pick up – Nick DeLeon $6.0m)
Josh Williams, $5.2, Columbus Crew (76 points, T-31st among defenders)
Williams has earned 15 consecutive starts and whether it’s at outside back or center back, he brings his “A” game each and every time. This week Columbus play at home against the Galaxy and then visit Houston. The Crew have two multi-game weeks after this round; one of them being a three-game week in Round 27. You’ll want to have as many players from Columbus as possible on your team come Round 27, so why not just add them now? Williams’ price is extremely low for starting defenders and he’s productive in the attacking half as well – two assists in his last six outings. (Teammate to pick up – Jairo Arrieta, $7.0m)
Joe Cannon, $5.7m, Vancouver Whitecaps (105 points, eighth among goalkeepers)
The Whitecaps have one of the better matchups for those team playing multiple games this round. Cannon sat out last week due to a red card, so expect him to be fresh and recharged for his midweek game tonight against FC Dallas. Vancouver won’t have to worry about Brek Shea, who was selected by Jurgen Klinsmann for tonight’s US national team game against Mexico. Vancouver have a rather tough weekend matchup at Seattle, but next week they play against the Portland Timbers so Cannon is definitely worth holding onto for another week. (Teammate to pick up – Lee Young-Pyo, $7.2m)
Connor Lade, $4.7m, New York Red Bulls (55 points, five clean sheets)
It’s been bang or bust with Connor Lade this season, with most of his success relying on the rest of the Red Bulls defensive unit. It’s rare that you’ll find a midfielder earning four points for clean sheets, but Lade has that potential. New York are looking better and they have multiple advantages this week with regards to their opponent. They play one game this week, at home, against a Portland team playing multiple games (away from home) within a four-day span. Portland are tied for the lowest goals scored in MLS with 20 and they’ve only managed to score just two goals in ten away games. The Red Bulls should be a lock for a shutout this Sunday. (Teammate to pick up – Thierry Henry, $10.8m)
Most added transfer this week: Torsten Frings Most dropped transfer this week: Daniel Woolard
