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 Friday, August 10.
Reminder #2: The Portland Timbers, Columbus Crew and Toronto FC aren't active in Fantasy Round 24. The Columbus vs. TFC match originally scheduled for Saturday has been rescheduled for August 22.
Top Player in Round 23: Jermaine Taylor – 14 points
Key Injuries: OUT – Daniel Woolard, Brandon Barklage, Jámison Olave, Ryan Meara
Maybe losing Geoff Cameron was a good thing for Houston. They’re first in the Eastern Conference and have the second highest goal differential in MLS (plus-10). Their presence in Fantasy Soccer: Manager has been equally impressive. Two players are atop the tables at their respective positions and four of their starters have over 100 total points – a feat only 28 players in the league have accomplished so far.
Once again, you will have to wait on the injury report released later Friday afternoon to be certain of any new injuries. With that said, here are five guys that could help lead your team to victory in Fantasy Round 24.
Brad Davis, $9.9m, Houston Dynamo (125 points, first among midfielders)
Davis has risen to the top of the ranks among midfielders and currently sits with the second-highest score behind only Chris Wondolowski. He’s the No. 1 guy in Houston, but after this weekend he could be No. 1 player in all of MLS. In the past 10 weeks Davis has scored seven or more points on six different occasions. He’s consistently putting his teammates in on goal (co-leader in assists) and will likely take the lead in crosses away from Graham Zusi this weekend as well. Houston are playing at Red Bull Arena, but don’t let the fact that they’re playing away from home deter you from adding him. You will need a solid midfield in order to make a strong playoff push.
Felipe, $7.7m, Montreal Impact (111 points, T- third among midfielders )
After below-par performances for Montreal's attacking center mid during the past three weeks, Felipe (above) bounced back with 9 and 10-point games the last two rounds. The Impact have loads of talent and will look to climb up the standings as we round out the season. They have relied on Felipe's creativity, speed and finishing abilities the whole time and this won’t change at all going forward. He's one of the most enjoyable players to watch right now. Don't believe me? Just check out this goal that won him Goal of the Week honors. Both Felipe and Patrice Bernier are great options at midfield. They're also huge bargains compared to the other eight midfielders with more than 100 points.
Bobby Boswell, $7.5m, Houston Dynamo (112 points, third among defenders)
Where in the world did Boswell come from? In the past few weeks, he’s shot up the charts, overtaking Vancouver’s Jay DeMerit for the third-best score amongst defenders – averaging 11 points/game in the last three weeks. Houston don’t have the easiest schedule to end the season by any means. Regardless, things are finally starting to click for the Dynamo’s backline after several shaky performances to start the season.
Troy Perkins, $6.3m, Montreal Impact (99 points, ninth among goalkeepers)
As shocking as this trade might be to some, what’s done is done. Perkins is in Montreal and he’s already taken part in an 11-vs.-11 scrimmage. It might not be certain at this point that he gets the nod against the Revolution, but there’s a good chance he does. I’ve talked to several people who consider this trade a huge upgrade for Montreal, but some (in Portland) see it a different way. Montreal will be without Nelson Rivas after the league suspended him an additional two games for his headbutt on Philadelphia Union striker Antoine Hoppenot, but Matteo Ferrari should feel fine sliding back into his normal role.
Kwame Watson-Siriboe, $4.0m, Real Salt Lake (20 points, 378 minutes played)
It looks as if Olave will be sitting out yet another week with a left hamstring strain. This means that Watson-Siriboe will once again be starting at centerback alongside Nat Borchers. Unfortunately, Real Salt Lake will be playing away from home and Vancouver will be seeking revenge after their 2-1 defeat at Rio Tinto Stadium just two weeks ago. This move may only be beneficial a week or two longer, but who really knows when it comes to hamstring injuries. Kwame is a great bench player regardless because he’s only $4.0m – starting him is simply an added bonus. Use his price to your advantage and strengthen your midfield.
The Most
Most added transfer this week: Chris Wondolowski Most dropped transfer this week: Kenny Cooper
