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Reminder #1: The cut off time to make roster changes is 15 minutes prior to the scheduled kick off of the first match of the week. This week, that deadline is 7:45 pm ET on Wednesday, May 2.
Reminder #2: Houston Dynamo has a bye this week. Get these players out of your lineup.
Top Player in Week 8: Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake) – 17 points
Key Injuries: OUT – Thierry Henry, Seth Sinovic, Emiliano Dudar, Roy Miller
With the unbalanced schedule there will be teams playing multiple games nearly every week. This week six teams play twice, but only one plays both their matches on its home turf – Seattle Sounders FC.
With Thierry Henry out for at least a few weeks, you’ll need to adjust accordingly. Here are some possible replacements going into week 9.
Maicon Santos / Chris Pontius, $7.3m, $7.8m, D.C. United (81 combined points)
D.C. benefit from multiple games yet again in week 9. The Santos-Pontius pairing is the highest scoring duo in FS:M right now. In 18 combined appearances the two have played the full 90 minutes just five times total, yet they are 4th and 8th respectively in points among forwards. In United’s last four matches, this lethal combination has combined for 8 goals. Both games are on the road this week, but their opponents have conceded a combined 12 goals since Week 5. Snag one of them, if possible.
Chris Wondolowski, $11.7m, San Jose Earthquakes (55 points, 2nd among forwards)
Other than Henry, Wondo has been the most consistent scorer in FS:M. His asking price is higher than anyone in the game, but there’s no doubt he’s worth it. The Earthquakes play twice this week and twice in Week 11. In eight games so far this season, Wondo has scored at least 7 points in six of them. He’s the second most added player this week so don’t let this opportunity pass you by.
Freddy Montero, $11.3m, Seattle Sounders (12 points, 9 key passes)
Montero is arguably the biggest flop thus far in 2012 in FS:M. He’s among the leaders in total shots, but has one of the worst SOG% in the league: 26.7%. However, sooner or later, you know he’s going to convert. And with two games at home this week and the return of Mauro Rosales and company, Montero should return to scoring ways. If you’ve stayed with Montero this far, you’re loyalty is incomprehensible, but at this point you have to stick with him for one more week.
Kei Kamara, $9.6m, Sporting KC (44 points, 5th among forwards)
Kamara brings consistency. He’s scored six or more points in four games this season, with three of them coming at home. He’s been in the top two in recoveries and CBIs (Clearances, Blocks, and Interceptions) among forwards every week. He is also among the league leaders in big chances. He could explode against the Impact this weekend, as Montreal have conceded the second-most goals in MLS thus far.
Steven Lenhart, $9.3m, San Jose Earthquakes (16 points, 375/720 minutes played)
His recent two-goal performance earned him Player of the Week honors in week 8, but Lenhart’s inability to play a full 90 minutes makes him a risk. He’s gone a full 90 just twice so far this season, and in them he’s averaged just 1.5 points. The Earthquakes play Chivas USA, Columbus Crew and then a multi-gamer the week after that, so the matchups are in your favor. If Lenhart can get substantial minutes, he is a very attractive pick.
Honorable Mentions: possible starters due to injury…DF Michael Harrington (SKC), FW Justin Meram (CC) DF Connor Lade (NY), MF Brandon Barklage (NY), Marcelo Saragosa (DCU
The Most
Most added transfer this week: Maicon Santos Most dropped transfer this week: Thierry Henry
