Oh, the trials and tribulations of being a fantasy manager.
It was a disappointing round for the double game week heavy squads as conventional wisdom said to load up on NYCFC players as they had two home games in Round 7.
But managers didn’t have to wait long to start pulling their hair after two of the more popular plays, David Villa and Jason Hernandez, were pulled at halftime of the first game on Thursday. Both fell victim to muscle injuries in the first half and that would be the only action they saw in Round 7.
The New York Red Bulls feature three players on the Dream Team, while NYCFC players are nowhere to be found. In fact, Philadelphia Union’s Cristian Maidana is the only DGW player to land a spot on the Dream Team – and he only logged 95 total minutes in the two games. Fantasy manager Paul Guyett posted the highest score of Round 7, with an impressive 93 points for Ant Field (YNWA).
Things are heating up in the overall standings, where Bruce McGeorge’s Grey Lions FC surpassed the 500-point threshold as he vies for the $1,000 Grand Prize.
In other news, yours truly edged MLSsoccer.com’s own Jason Saghini in the Starting Lineup H2H Experts League. Better luck next round, #TeamSaghini!
The Round 8 transfer window is now open. I’ve made some notes to help you plan your moves leading up to the transfer deadline:
- The transfer deadline for Round 8 is Friday, April 24 at 8PM EDT.
- Review the MLS Injury Report and MLS Disciplinary Report as it is updated throughout the week. Notable injuries to monitor include David Villa, Javier Morales and Lloyd Sam.
DGW Watch: There are no teams playing twice this round. New York Red Bulls and Colorado Rapids both have two games in Round 9. Round 10 could be a game changer with four teams on a DGW (HOU, LA, RSL, SJ).
Many managers, including myself, are dealing with injuries and suspensions heading into Round 8. Here are a few players I am considering picking up this round:
Dillon Powers ($7.7m) – After a slow start to 2015, Powers has posted a goal and two assists in his last two games. With a home game against the same FC Dallas team the Rapids just thrashed 4-0, and a DGW in Round 9, Powers is an intriguing midfield pickup.
Joevin Jones ($6.4m) – Jones has burst onto the scene for the Fire. Showing his versatility, he’s seen time at both left back and left midfield. He opened his goal scoring account in his last outing and looks to have solidified a role with Chicago going forward.
Bradley Wright-Phillips ($11m) – The reigning Golden Boot winner is contributing more than just goals in 2015. BWP now has three assists and has already surpassed last season’s total of two. With a marquee home match with LA Galaxy this Sunday (5 pm ET, ESPN2), and a DGW in sight, Wright-Phillips is a good bet to find his name on the score sheet. You’ll have to pay up for him, but don’t be caught without him in Round 9.
Did you throw all your eggs in the DGW basket in Round 7? Or did you get bit by captaining David Villa? Let us know how you’re dealing with the trials and tribulations of being a fantasy manager in the comments below.
