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 2:15 pm ET on Saturday, July 21.\
Reminder #2: The Chicago Fire, Toronto FC and Seattle Sounders are all without a game in Fantasy Round 21.
Top Player in Round 20: Calen Carr – 11 points
Key Injuries: OUT – Chance Meyers, Ryan Meara, Steven Lenhart, Ramiro Corales, Robbie Russell
With the MLS All-Star game just around the corner we should be in for a great weekend of soccer. Midway through the season, certain players are now hitting their stride on a more consistent basis. There are a few guys banged up and sitting out due to yellow card accumulations, so be sure to review the injury report and all suspensions. With that said, here are five guys that could help lead you to victory in Fantasy Round 21.
David Beckham, $9.6m, LA Galaxy (97 points, 4th among midfielders)
Beckham is red hot right now. In the last two games he’s scored three beautiful goals – winning Goal of the Week for his curler against Portland – and 21 total points. The Galaxy will face a Chivas USA team that will be without a few key players. Beckham is fourth among all players with 36 crosses and seventh in key passes, with 38. Chivas will try to hold possession, but LA will get their chances. Donovan and Keane are starting to find their form so look for Beckham to continue feeding them the ball as much as possible.
Matt Hedges, $5.3m, FC Dallas (54 points, 10 games started)
George John was recently upgraded to “questionable” after missing several weeks with concussion symptoms. Knowing that, I still felt comfortable adding Hedges to my squad this week. He’s been an absolute beast in the back and can be threat on set-piece situations as well. In each of his last three games Hedges has had double digit CBI’s (clearances, blocks, interceptions) – 37 in all. He’s also had 20 recoveries, leading to a three-week total of 16 points. Dallas is facing a Portland team that averages one goal per game, but if they can hold onto the ball and keep a high line in the back when defending, they could frustrate a Timbers side who’ve been called offsides 56 times in 2012 – (T-3rd most in MLS).
Barry Robson, $7.0m, Vancouver Whitecaps (20 points, 417 minutes played)
Ever since his arrival a few weeks back, Robson has been around the ball as much as possible. He’s been taking set pieces and barely missing from distance. His striking power is among the best in the league and he’s bound to get a goal from a free kick any day now. On Wednesday he notched his first goal as a player in MLS, proving his worth to both the fans and the organization. Vancouver will be up against offensive powerhouses’ San Jose Earthquakes, but don’t let that affect your decision with Robson. The Whitecaps will come out strong at home and Robson will be shooting.
Patrice Bernier, $7.3m, Montreal Impact (93 points, 15 games played)
Bernier has six goals and four assists in 15 games this season. He’s taken over for Felipe as the main distributor in the midfield, plus he gets the nod every time Montreal earns a penalty kick. The Impact are in Houston facing a Dynamo team that’s been rather impressive at BBVA stadium. Opponent aside, Bernier will make his presence known. He recently overtook Felipe as Montreal’s leader in points with 93, and in his last four games he’s tallied three goals and 31 total points. Bernier isn’t just a one-time starter; he’s a player who can start in your midfield on a weekly basis. Pick him up and hold on tight.
Bryan Gaul, $3.9m, LA Galaxy (10 points, 355 minutes played)
Gaul was subbed on for Todd Dunivant in the first half of Wednesday’s game against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Dunivant is listed as questionable on the injury report with right calf hematoma so it looks like Gaul could get the nod. If he does there’s a good chance the Galaxy come away with a clean sheet. Let’s face it, the Galaxy have been absolutely terrible defensively this season, but their opponent, Chivas USA, has been even worse offensively. In 18 games Chivas have mustered up a league-low 52 shots on goal, while scoring a league-low 12 goals. Gaul is a risky pickup, but he’s extremely cheap and could biggest bang for your buck in Round 21.
Sleeper Picks: Chris Korb (DC United), Michael Harrington (Sporting KC), Justin Meram (Columbus Crew), Olman Vargas (Columbus Crew), Dilly Duka (Columbus Crew)
The Most
Most added transfer this week: Will Bruin Most dropped transfer this week: Kenny Cooper
