Congratulations, Troy Dayak! You've just scored your first goal in almost three years. Where are you going now?
I'm going to lead the "Price Movers" chart in MLSnet.com's Fantasy Challenge!
The next highest mover on Sunday's chart, Dema Kovalenko, scored a goal in the same game. No. 3 Jose Cancela scored for New England, and No. 4 Dipsy Selolwane netted for Chicago. Only when we get to No. 5, Henry Ring, do we find someone who didn't score a goal. He stopped seven and allowed none.
We'll start this week's "Buy, Hold, Sell" here:
Dayak, D, San Jose ($232,000): If a rookie defender gets a goal in one of his first games and you happen to notice that he's getting forward on set pieces (or, better yet, taking the set pieces himself), he's worth buying at a reasonable price. If a veteran defender gets his first goal in three years, chances are that he hasn't reinvented his game to challenge Carlos Ruiz for the MLS scoring title this year. Dayak's no rookie. SELL
Kovalenko, M, D.C. United ($222,000): This is trickier. Some MLS fans think of Kovalenko only as a guy who causes brutal injuries, but that's not fair. He doesn't have a model temperament, but there's definitely more to his game than fouls. He has been in good scoring position a lot already this season, though his finishing skills deserted him until Saturday. United doesn't seem likely to focus its offense through a particular guy, so midfielders like Kovalenko will get their shots. HOLD
Cancela, M, New England ($296,000): The Revs' offense kicked into gear against Los Angeles and their main playmaker was at the heart of it. That's a natural boost for his fantasy value, as is the fact that he took New England's penalty kick. PK guys are worth an extra couple of goals a year. He's approaching the upper end of his value, but for now, he's a BUY. (Disclaimer: Cancela is one of the more valuable members of Dure's Donkeys.)
Selolwane, F, Chicago ($131,000): You could make a case that Dipsy deserves to keep his spot in the Fire's forward rotation when Nate Jaqua returns from suspension and Ante Razov is back to 90-minute form. But you're not Chicago's coach, so you have to ask yourself what Dave Sarachan thinks. Jaqua is out for another game, so you're looking at at least a decent short-term pickup here with prospects for more. BUY
Ring, GK, Chicago ($296,000): He's second to Carlos Ruiz in total fantasy points this season, and the Galaxy forward will set you back more than $600K. (Scott Garlick holds the edge in points per game, though the Dallas 'keeper's value is floating at $317,000.) He should be decent value all season, but this string of four clean sheets in five games can't be the norm. Might be time for some profit-taking. SELL
A few other player forecasts:
Kevin Hartman, GK, Los Angeles ($240,000): He gave up two goals to one of the league's best offenses. So sue him. BUY
Ronnie O'Brien, M, Dallas ($260,000): Burn fans love him and there are plenty of good reasons for that. But he's not going to put up fantasy numbers to justify that price. Imagine him as the DaMarcus Beasley of that team except that Beasley's a better finisher. SELL
Kerry Zavagnin, M, Kansas City ($237,000): No bonus points for capturing Bruce Arena's attention. And midfielders don't get credit for clean sheets in this league. SELL
Eddie Johnson, F, Dallas ($269,000): This kid ran up goal-scoring totals that looked like cricket scores in youth international play. A lot of fans have been impatient to see him duplicate that success in MLS. One goal in four games isn't quite enough to push him into the $300K region, but if you'll feel awfully silly if you sell him now only to watch him produce all year. HOLD
Milton Reyes, D, Dallas ($119,000): The Burn finally worked out the details with D.C. United to pick up the Honduran's rights. He's a steady defender who gets forward, and his new team is playing a solid game these days. Hurry up and you'll get a bargain. BUY
Freddy Adu, F, D.C. United ($146,000): Never let it be said that we steer away from hot topics here. Should Freddy keep starting or at least being the first sub for United? Will he put up decent numbers? Is he already a proud member of Dure's Donkeys, thereby warranting a disclaimer? Yes, yes and yes. When Freddy's teammates learn to shoot straight, watch the assist total rise. The goals will come, too. Don't let him get to $300K, but don't let him sit where he is today. BUY
Beau Dure covers soccer for USATODAY.com, and will looking at the fantasy futures markets every other Monday for MLSnet.com. Send questions about who to buy, hold or sell for your fantasy team and they could get answered in future columns. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
