Seven MLS teams took the field Wednesday night in both US Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions league matches throughout North and South America. The LA Galaxy also competed (for third place) in the International Champions Cup against AC Milan in Miami. A few key players saw their nights end early because of injury, while others got their first minutes back from knocks suffered earlier in the month.
Several starters went the full 90 minutes, and luckily for all teams (including Portland, who are on a bye this week), none of the games went into extra time. Of the eight teams that played, five will have to travel to their next destination: D.C., LA, Montreal, San Jose and Sporting KC.
In short, take those factors into account when you build your MLS Fantasy: Manager XI for Round 25.
Key Injuries
LuisSilva (D.C. United) – Silva was involved in an awkward challenge near midfield with Chicago Fire center back Bakary Soumare which required immediate attention from the training staff. There was no replay of the challenge and the live stream did not show Silva exiting the field, but Washington Post reporter Steven Goff tweeted an update shortly after the incident:
If Silva did in fact suffer a concussion, there’s no way United’s leading goalscorer will be able to play against the Philadelphia Union this Saturday. Stay tuned for updates on his situation.
Marvin Chavez (San Jose Earthquakes) – According to the match recap, Chavez went down just before halftime, immediately signaling to the bench after a wild tackle from Montreal’s Daniele Paponi. San Jose club spokesman Frank Stranzl had this to say:
Stranzl gave an update on the Honduran international directly after the conclusion of the match;
The Earthquakes now have to travel 3,000 miles to Vancouver for a showdown with the Whitecaps. Chavez will likely be a game-time decision.
Alessandro Nesta (Montreal Impact) – After missing last weekend’s match against D.C. United because of an undisclosed injury, Nesta was back on the field for the full 90 minutes Wednesday night. Barring setback, he should be ready to go against the Chicago Fire this weekend.
Javier Morales (Real Salt Lake) – Head coach Jason Kreis mentioned earlier in the week that Morales was still recovering from an adductor strain he suffered against the Colorado Rapids last weekend, but that he'd likely be in the 18 on Wednesday night. Morales didn't start, but he did get a few minutes late in the game, subbing on for Khari Stephenson in the 80th minute. The RSL playmaker is showing positive signs that he could be ready to start against the Houston Dynamo at home on August 10.
Graham Zusi (Sporting KC) – Zusi was not included in the 18 and did not travel for Wednesday night’s CCL game against Real Estelí due to a quad strain he suffered during the MLS All-Star Game. His status for Saturday’s game against the New England Revolution is still up in the air.
Pay close attention to @MLSFantasy today and tomorrow for more updates regarding injuries.
Players who went the full 90
Chicago Fire – Alex, Jalil Anibaba, Austin Berry, Dilly Duka, Sean Johnson, Jeff Larentowicz, Mike Magee, Bakary Soumare
D.C. United – Dwayne De Rosario, Dejan Jakovic, Perry Kitchen, Chris Korb, Kyle Porter, James Riley, John Thorrington, Joe Willis, Daniel Woolard
Montreal Impact – Hernan Bernardello, Jeb Brovsky, Evan Bush, Hassoun Camara, Marco Di Vaio (89'), Matteo Ferrari, Justin Mapp, Alessandro Nesta, Collen Warner
Portland Timbers – Bye Week
Real Salt Lake – Kyle Beckerman, Tony Beltran, Nat Borchers, Luis Gil (88'), Ned Grabavoy, Nick Rimando, Alvaro Saborio, Carlos Salcedo, Chris Wingert
San Jose Earthquakes – Jamie Alas, David Bingham, Medhi Ballouchy, Dan Gargan, Alan Gordon, Jason Hernandez, Justin Morrow, Brad Ring
Sporting KC – Aurelien Collin, Dominic Dwyer (85'), Mechack Jerome, Eric Kronberg, Lawrence Olum, Ike Opara, Jacob Peterson, Oriol Rosell, Sonny Saad (88'), Seth Sinovic
Keep in mind that certain players who went 90 minutes Wednesday night could be rested this weekend. Especially Marco Di Vaio, who could see a dip in playing time against Chicago as a result.
