The Major League Soccer season is a long one. It might not be quite accurate to say that slow and steady wins the race, but there is no denying that the teams that pace themselves and heat up at the right times are more likely to walk away with some hardware. But there are ups and downs, trials and tribulations, injuries and discipline. Players can go from cold to hot (or vice versa) without even a moment's notice. This week's fantasy column will delve into depths of which players are waking up and which ones are walking off.
Being idle has its positives and negatives in the fantasy game. Obviously, it is tough for your players to earn you points if they aren't involved in the games. But at the same time, when players miss action through injuries, discipline problems, coaches' decisions or any other reason, it isn't always a bad thing. As my ex-stock broker grandfather taught me during my first summer "internship" in which I learned both the intricacies of the Dow and how to properly organize a file cabinet, a dip in the market is really just a "buying opportunity." The trick, however, is knowing when the time is right for the picking. A little luck never hurt anyone either. Let's start with who is heating up in the post-All-Star push.
Dema Kovalenko (D.C. United) was added to this writer's fantasy team on Aug. 4. Since that time the fiery Ukrainian-born midfielder has scored two goals, narrowly missed on several other chances and earned me 205 points. His price has also increased by $22,000 - not bad for a one-week investment. Kovalenko had been playing regularly for United for several weeks after starting the season with an injury, but he looked sharp of late so I took a chance. Many other players in the league are emerging under similar circumstances.
Eddie Johnson (FC Dallas) has finally stubbed out his turf toe inflammation and finds himself back in Colin Clarke's lineup. Though he didn't score in the debut match at Pizza Hut Park, he found himself in dangerous positions on several occasions. He's not running cheap right now as many anticipate his return to form, but he is likely to prove that he is worth far more than the current asking price of $330,000.
Going back to the MLS Cup champs, they have a pair of forwards who are also re-emerging after seeing success in MLS seasons past and then struggling to hold onto the glory. Santino Quaranta and Jamil Walker have been seeing more time for Peter Nowak, with Quaranta even catching the eye of Bruce Arena for the U.S. team.
French star Youri Djorkaeff has been a breath of fresh air for the MetroStars after missing time due to injury. His skill on the ball, vision and experience make him dangerous anytime he's on the pitch. If he can stay healthy, he might not be a bad option for you.
Defensively, Chris Albright (Los Angeles Galaxy) is a hot stock. He missed a sizeable chunk of time while recovering from a knee injury, but he was buzzing up and down the right wing and causing havoc for Chivas USA in Wednesday night's Super Clásico. Not only is Albright part of a fairly solid defense in L.A., but the former forward loves to get involved in the attack and is bound to find the net once or twice before the MLS Cup Playoffs arrive.
Lest we not forget, however, that for every hot stock, there is another that is tanking. Look no further than Clint Mathis (Real Salt Lake) and Amado Guevara (MetroStars). Two of the most creative players in MLS are also among the most feisty, and their recent temper tantrums will not only hurt their popularity, but their playing time and fantasy value to boot.
Mathis has already missed one match following a red card against Chivas USA last weekend, but he'll be out for two more contests after the MLS Disciplinary Committee extended his timeout. Guevara could suffer a similar fate after getting an early shower Wednesday in D.C. If you still have these two on your fantasy team, "sell, sell, sell!" Jaime Moreno's (D.C. United) red card for a professional foul will keep him out of action Saturday, but he has little to worry about in terms of further disciplinary action and a quick break could actually work to his benefit.
Defensively, this issue goes all the way to back to the goal. Tony Meola (MetroStars) was idle for the first half of the year while he looked for a team and recovered from an Achilles injury. After being pounded by D.C. United and not looking particularly sharp, many in the Empire Supporters Club are ready for a return to Zach Wells.
Similarly, Scott Garlick was left out of the FC Dallas starting lineup last week. Is there something cooking at Pizza Hut Park or was it just a quick break? Maybe holding on to see if he gets his spot back this week isn't a bad idea before making a decision on fear, which grandpa said is never the way to go.
No matter what you decide to do with Garlick, get out there and take a few chances on your fantasy team. Yes, the season is long, but the weather will be cooling off and the action will be heating up for the MLS Cup Playoffs before you know it.
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. He will cover the fantasy leagues, along with Jason Halpin, every other week throughout the season. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
