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 8:45 pm ET on Friday, July 27.
Reminder #2: D.C. United are the only team without a game in Fantasy Round 22.
Top Player in Round 21: Jackson Gonçalves – 15 points
Key Injuries: OUT – Brandon Barklage, Zarek Valentin, Robbie Russell, Ryan Smith, Aurélien Collin
After an impressive performance by the MLS All-Star team against European champions Chelsea, look for quite a few players to try and show the league why they should’ve been there, too. Fewer guys than normal are banged up and sitting out due to yellow-card accumulations, but we do have to wonder how many All-Stars will be ready to go to the full 90 minutes for their perspective squads.
If you have the time, wait until the injury report comes out Friday to be sure of any last-minute tweaks. With that said, here are five guys that will look to be your all-star in Fantasy Round 22.
Kenny Cooper, $8.9m, New York Red Bulls (106 points, second among forwards)
Cooper (above) may be the biggest fantasy all-star in recent MLS history. After a four-game performance with seven or more points, Cooper scored just two points or less in the next seven rounds before going off last week, with a 11 points on two goals. This Red Bulls striker has been on the “Dream Team” more times than any other forward this season and is tied for the league lead with just two other midfielders. New York do not have another bye the rest of the way, so expect Cooper to see plenty of minutes, even with new addition Tim Cahill making his way into the picture.
Robbie Keane, $10.3m, LA Galaxy (89 points, T-seventh among forwards)
No other forward in the league has been as hot as Robbie Keane has lately. In his last four games Keane (right) has tallied five goals, two assists and 42 total points. Few teams in the league have an attacking combination that matches the talent level of LA’s trio of Keane, Landon Donovan and David Beckham. All three are in spectacular form after a rather unimpressive start. The Galaxy should continue clicking on all cylinders, battling their way towards a top seed in the Western Conference standings before the season comes to an end. Keane will be a key asset to LA’s success going forward.
Lee Young-Pyo, $7.3m, Vancouver Whitecaps (115 points, second among defenders)
Lee has been utterly amazing in his debut MLS season. He leads defenders in recoveries (163), he’s second among defenders in key passes (24), he’s third among defenders in crosses (18) and he’s tied for first among defenders in “Dream Team” appearances as well. Oh, and he’s tied for the league lead in clean sheets, with nine. If you’ve had him all season you’ve seen how consistent Lee has been. In 12 of his 22 games this season he’s scored six or more points. Vancouver have a tough game against Real Salt Lake and then a week off. Take Lee now or wait another week. Either way, you want him on your team the rest of the way.
Andy Gruenebaum, $5.6m, Columbus Crew (108 points, first among goalkeepers)
Goalkeepers never have an easy week, but Gruenebaum has proved his worth no matter who he’s facing. From second string to the No. 1 fantasy goalkeeper in MLS, the man minding the net in Columbus is a force to be reckoned with. The Crew will split their final 16 games, eight away and eight at home. Gruenebaum has scored eight or more points seven times this season and he’s been in the “Dream Team” four times as well – two more than any other 'keeper in MLS. His price will continue to go up so don’t wait any longer.
Torsten Frings, $7.8m, Toronto FC (65 points, 28th among midfielders)
On a team that’s struggled most of the season, Frings has proven to be a true leader and someone TFC can rely on no matter what. After several disappointing performances to start the season, Toronto’s DP has really stepped it up as of late. After totaling just 20 points in his first 13 games, Frings has scored 45 points over his last seven matches. Luis Silva has benefited from playing with the former German international, and if Toronto want to make any sort of run at a playoff spot, the two will have to keep it going.
The Most
Most added transfer this week: Kenny Cooper Most dropped transfer this week: Roger Espinoza
