GO TO MLS FANTASY SOCCER: MANAGER HOME
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 8:15 pm ET on Wednesday, October 24.
Reminder #2: Every team plays in Fantasy Round 33. Philadelphia are the only team that plays twice.
Top Players in Round 32: Brad Evans – 19 points
Key Injuries: OUT – Darren O’Dea (TOR), Brandon Barklage (NY), Eric Brunner (POR), Matt Pickens (COL), Brian Mullan (COL)
If you’ve made it through to the final 128 teams left in the Fantasy Cup Challenge, congratulations are in order. I, however, was knocked out in Round 31 by RC Kolo French Team, who posted 101 total points. I posted 100, but had an extra transfer as well, leaving me at 96 points for the round.
This is the final round of the regular season, but things aren’t coming to an end just yet. Both the Cup Challenge and regular league play last all the way through the playoffs. Be sure to stay tuned after this week because I’ll be keeping you posted on the matchups and must-adds all throughout the playoffs.
Pay close attention to this week's injury report. You’ll have to finalize your roster based solely on Tuesday’s report, so take it for what it’s worth when looking at players with games later in the week. Review the current list of suspensions and then set your lineup. In the meantime, here are five names for this week. Good luck everyone!
Chris Wondolowski, $12.1m, San Jose Earthquakes (198 points, first among all players)
Sitting just one goal behind the MLS single-season scoring record set by Roy Lassiter back in 1996, you can bet that both the coaches and players of San Jose will do everything in their power to help Wondolowski find the back of the net this weekend. Everyone is talking about this record chase and I expect Wondo to deliver, whether it be a penalty kick, a header or even a free kick from outside the box. He’ll get his chances and then some. Do whatever you can to add him to your team this week.
Jack McInerney, $7.1m, Philadelphia Union (81 points, 24th among forwards)
Jack Mac has been on fire as of late, netting four goals and one assist in the last three rounds. This week the Union are the only team with two games on their schedule, and with nothing left to lose, expect the regular starters to get their usual playing time. McInerney has played the full 90 minutes just eight times this season, but he’s shown skill, determination and a knack for the goal, making him a must-add for all fantasy managers. His matchups aren’t the best, but his potential has made him the No. 1 most-added transfer this week. Let’s just hope he lives up to the hype.
Matt Hedges, $5.5m, FC Dallas (114 points, 26th among defenders)
It’s too bad that Hedges was drafted in the same class as Chicago's Austin Berry, otherwise he’d be receiving much more consideration for Rookie of the Year. Chivas USA and Dallas drew 1-1 at the Home Depot Center on Oct. 7, but back on June 23 they finished 0-0 in Frisco. Look for Dallas to come out with some intent going forward while remaining strong in the back. With so many key defensive players likely resting this week, Hedges is a smart add. He’s got a tasty matchup and is likely a shoe-in to log the full 90 minutes.
Jairo Arrieta, $7.2m, Columbus Crew (89 points, T-20th among forwards)
In the last eight rounds, this Costa Rican forward has accumulated seven goals, three assists and 69 total points. He’s been a huge addition for the Crew, making one wonder what could’ve been had he and Federico Higuaín joined the team a little earlier in the season. Regardless of the bitter taste in their mouths from missing out on the playoffs, Columbus will look to finish on a positive note at home. And with struggling Toronto FC coming in for a visit, Crew fans will expect a victory. In addition to his form, he’s one of the more reasonably priced forwards still producing at this point.
Kelyn Rowe, $5.6m, New England Revolution (81 points, 1,875 minutes played)
The Revolution are one of those teams from which you just don’t know what to expect. Their lineup is always changing and they lack consistency in all aspects of their game. Kelyn Rowe has been one of their bright spots. He's not a huge scoring threat, but his vision and ability to find the open man from the wing makes him a tempting addition this round. With Benny Feilhaber back from suspension, Rowe might see some of his playing time diminish. Then again, maybe manager Jay Heaps will want him to get all the experience he can and leave him in the entire game. Adding Rowe is also a good way to make room under your cap for the ever-so-coveted Wondolowski.
The Most
Most added transfer this week: Jack McInerney (PHI)
Most dropped transfer this week: Felipe Martins (MTL)
