Round 9 might be in the books, but there’s no rest for the weary this week as Round 10 kicks off tomorrow. Let’s review the week that was, and take a look at what to consider before the quick turnaround this round.
Attacking soccer was once again on display in Round 9 – with the 3-4-3 Dream Team spearheaded by some of the usual suspects in Fabian Castillo, Clint Dempsey and Obafemi Martins. Ron Freitag went all-in on Double Game Week players, taking a -16 transfer hit on his way to RONSouthsiders putting up 104 points. Sean Franklin was the top player of the round, with a goal and a clean sheet contributing to his 15-point score.
The Round 10 transfer window is now open. Make your moves early this week, as the transfer deadline is tomorrow!
- The transfer deadline for Round 10 is Tuesday, May 5 at 8:30 pm ET.
- Review the MLS Injury Report and MLS Disciplinary Report as they are updated throughout the week.
Injury Report: The MLS Injury Report is a good reference point as to who to monitor throughout the week. It won’t, however, tell you who to start and who to sit on your fantasy team. Ultimately, it is up to you to do the research and decide whether or not to continue to hold onto and/or start an injured player in hopes of them playing.
Round 9 saw the return of some key players but also more injuries.
Diego Valeri back on the field was a welcome sight for Portland Timbers fans and MLS Fantasy managers everywhere. The fantasy stud scored 11 goals to go along with 14 assists in 2014, and I’ll be looking to transfer him in before the Timber’s DGW in Round 13.
Real Salt Lake cannot catch a break with playmaker Javier Morales, who returned from a two-game absence only to be subbed off after 41 minutes because of a head injury.
New York City FC saw the return of David Villa, who rattled off five shots after coming on as a sub in their 3-1 loss to Seattle.
Bill Hamid picked up a clean sheet in his return between the pipes for D.C United, making three saves in D.C.’s win against Columbus.
Orlando City SC’s attack was dealt a big blow, with Kevin Molino suffering a season-ending ACL injury in a friendly on Saturday.
LA Galaxy star Robbie Keane missed his fourth consecutive game on Saturday with a groin strain. While it is possible he returns for the Galaxy’s DGW in Round 10, I will likely stay away considering the uncertainty along with the early transfer deadline.
DGW Watch: Four teams are on a Double Game Week in Round 10: Houston Dynamo, LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake and San Jose Earthquakes all play twice. Looking ahead to Round 11, D.C. United and Orlando City SC are on a DGW.
Bye-Bye, Bye Week: There are no teams on a bye for the next five rounds. Round 15 sees 10 teams on a bye week, but fantasy managers will also have unlimited transfers to reconstruct their team.
Here are a few players I am considering bringing in before tomorrow’s transfer deadline:
Giles Barnes – Houston Dynamo – Midfielder($9.4m) - Barnes is hot right now, bagging four goals in his last four outings. Though available for selection as a midfielder, he has been playing as a forward for the Dynamo this season. With two games this round, Barnes is my top target for Round 10.
Kaká – Orlando City – Midfielder ($11.4m) - I dumped Kaká last round to free up some cap space, but am already considering bringing the Brazilian legend back. His brilliance has yet to translate into big fantasy performances, but I’m not giving up on the former FIFA World Player of the Year. With a home game this round and DGW in Round 11, Kaká is back on my radar.
Sean Franklin – D.C. United – Defender($8.2m) - Franklin turned in a monster fantasy performance in Round 9, recording a goal and a clean sheet on his way to posting 15 points. He also registered four bonus points (+2 attacking, +2 defending) and now ranks third overall in points for defenders. D.C. United have a home game this round, followed by three Double Game Weeks in Rounds 11, 13 and 14. Franklin is a good starting point to begin stocking your squad full of D.C. players.
How is your team looking heading into Round 10? Have you lost faith in Kaká or do you agree with me in that the best is yet to come? Let us know in the comments below.
