Now that the 2012 MLS All-Star First XI has been chosen, how does it compare to your fantasy team? Do you agree with the selections so far?
Based strictly on fantasy production, here’s MLS Fantasy Soccer: Manager’s First XI.
Goalkeeper: Andy Gruenebaum (Columbus Crew)
Defense: Aurélien Collin (Sporting Kansas City), Lee Young-Pyo (Vancouver Whitecaps), Jay DeMerit (Vancouver Whitecaps), Daniel Woolard (D.C. United)
Midfield: Dwayne De Rosario (D.C. United), Kyle Beckerman (Real Salt Lake), Graham Zusi (Sporting Kansas City), Landon Donovan (LA Galaxy)
Forwards: Chris Wondolowski (San Jose Earthquakes), Kenny Cooper (New York Red Bulls)
Looking ahead to this week’s action, keep in mind that Chivas USA are the only team this round that has a bye.
Forwards
Danny Koevermans (Toronto FC, $9.8 million) – He’ll have two opportunities this round to get back on track after ending his five-game goal streak last round in a 3-0 loss at Philadelphia. First, Koevermans and the Reds will host the Vancouver Whitecaps on Wednesday and then travel to Gillette Stadium in New England to take on the Revs on Saturday. He currently has nine goals and one assist in his sophomore season in Major League Soccer.
Jack McInerney (Philadelphia Union, $7.4 million) – Jac Mac came so close to adding onto his totals of three goals and two assists last round against TFC. It should be mentioned that all of his goals and assists came within Philly’s last four games, only three of which included McInerney.
Saer Sene (New England Revolution, $8.0 million) – He’s been in a rough spot lately, scoring just one goal in his past five games. Although he’s been mired in a mini drought, the Revs have been playing great lately (2-0-3 in last five games) and have added forward Jerry Bengtson to help with their attack. Going up against a tired-legged TFC on Saturday, look for Sene to add to his eight goals and two assists on the season.
Midfielders
Gabriel Gómez (Philadelphia Union, $7.5 million) – Gómez got the fire started last week for the Union, scoring his fifth goal of the season and the game-winning goal in their 3-0 victory over TFC. This round, Philly will host the Montreal Impact, who’ve allowed the most goals in the league (38) midway through their expansion season.
Lee Nguyen (New England Revolution, $7.3 million) – Notching his third goal of the season in a 2-0 win over New York Red Bulls last week, Nguyen continues to impress in his inaugural MLS season with three goals and two assists.
Marco Pappa (Chicago Fire, $9.4 million) – After a two-game goal streak, Pappa has been shutout in his last two games, just managing one shot on goal. Hosting a Whitecaps squad that will be recovering from their game on Wednesday at Toronto, watch for Pappa to take full advantage of their fatigue.
Jaime Castrillón (Colorado Rapids, $8.3 million) – Making a name for himself already in his first season with the Rapids, Castrillón is Colorado’s leading scorer with five goals. Not bad for a midfielder. Lately, he’s been cold, tallying no goals, assists or even a shot on goal in his last two games. Going up against an FC Dallas defense that has allowed 17 goals in just eight away matches, look for the Colombian to get No. 6.
Defenders
Drew Moor (Colorado Rapids, $7.0 million) – Moor and the Rapids will be going up against the worst away team in the league, FC Dallas, who currently have a 0-7-1 record on the road. In addition, he’s scored two goals this season, both at home.
Sheanon Williams (Philadelphia Union, $7.4 million) – Williams hasn’t recorded a point for the Union yet this season, but with his speed on the right flank, he’s due to make some kind of offensive contribution and I’m predicting this week is when he’ll get it.
Gonzalo Segares (Chicago Fire, $6.4 million) – He and the Fire will have fresh legs going into Saturday’s home game vs. the Vancouver Whitecaps, who have been shut out on the road three times already. Look for Segares and the Fire to throw the 'Caps shutout No. 5 this round.
Goalkeeper
Matt Pickens (Colorado Rapids, $6.0 million) – Pickens leads the league in saves (70), has recorded five shutouts and has a 1.33 GAA this season. Going up against an FC Dallas squad that has scored only eight goals in eight games on the road, look for Pickens to earn his sixth clean sheet of the season.
