In every season of Major League Soccer, there are those teams who start out on a slump. With some changes, whether it’s lineups or staff, those teams typically make some kind of improvement, just like the two teams who play twice this week, Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact.
Both teams didn’t start out well but have since made personnel moves and are now on finding a bit of rhythm. Well, the same happens with Fantasy Soccer: Manager. Yes, maybe your team isn’t doing as well as you thought, but with a little reconstructing and homework, you, too, can make an improvement and possibly make a late push towards the grand prize.
Round 16 TOP XI
Forwards
Danny Koevermans (TOR) - Going into last week, Koevermans and TFC’s offense had only scored a meager eight goals. With Paul Mariner on board now as manager, however, things have finally turned as they scored five goals in two games last round. Oh, and did I mention Koevermans had three of them and assisted on another? Look for him to add on to his six goals and one assist on the season as TFC play at Montreal and then back to BMO Field against the New York Red Bulls.
Chris Pontius (DC) - With three goals in his last two games after being an unused substitution for the Black and Red, Pontius seems back in form with eight goals and one assist this season. Going up against expansion side Montreal, who play Wednesday and will be traveling to D.C., look for Pontius to earn you points.
Saer Sene (NE) - He’s been quiet in his last three games, not registering a point to add to his seven goals and two assists thisseason. But this round at Gillette Stadium, where he’s notched five of his seven tallies, he’ll take on the Sounders and most likely inexperienced goalkeeper Andrew Weber in net.
Midfielders
Brad Davis (HOU) - Yes, Davis was in last week’s report, but look what happened: He scored a goal and added two assists in two games. I’m playing this number until it’s cold. Undefeated at newly minted BBVA Compass Stadium and going against a Union team who are 1-4-1 on the road, look for Davis to inflate his numbers in this game.
Felipe (MTL) - Where did this guy come from? After starting his MLS newcomer campaign with one goal and one assist in 12 games, he’s scored two goals and added three assists in his last four games playing in more of a withdrawn striker role. This week will be his true test though, going up against newly rejuvenated Toronto FC and then traveling to RFK Stadium to play D.C.
Jaime Castrillón (COL) - Since scoring the game winner against the Impact a month ago, the former Colombian international has been silent, just marking one shot in his last two games. With a home game against a Timbers team that is 0-4-2 away, look for Castrillón to add on to his four goals and one assist on the season.
Dwayne De Rosario (DC) - Trying to defend his MVP award, DeRo has five goals and nine assists so far, including three goals and two assists in his last five games. With a home game against Montreal, where he has scored four of his goals, look for him to get his fifth.
Defenders
Daniel Woolard (DC) - In his second season with D.C United, Woolard has been a key component to their backline. He’s scored one goal and two assists so far this season, but he’s the only starting defender for D.C. that hasn’t scored at home yet. My money is on him this week for a goal.
Aurélien Collin (SKC)- He’s already matched his three goals from last year and tallied one assist. Playing the Chicago Fire at Livestrong Sporting Park, where he’s scored two of his goals, number four of the season looks near.
Drew Moor (COL) - He’s scored both of his goals at home this season. He’ll have a chance to make it three this round going up against the Western Conference’s eighth-place Portland Timbers.
Goalkeeper
Matt Pickens (COL) - He has a 1.40 GAA this season, allowing 21 goals and saving 63 shots. Going up against a Portland squad that has only scored two away goals and have been shutout four times, Pickens looks like your 'keeper for this round.
