By ALAN LEDBETTER
This is Alan Ledbetter, and I will be the SBI Fantasy MLS guru for the rest of the year. Why me you ask? I have been the SBI Fantasy MLS champion the past two seasons (once in MFLS and once in the old MLSnet.com).
Last year, my first year of MFLS, I finished fourth in the entire game in addition to my SBI League title, and I look to build on that performance this year. My fantasy team name is I <3 MLS, so see how you stack up against me this year.
I look forward to bringing you my insight and thoughts for the rest of the fantasy season.
MFLS WEEK 4 RECAP
From Dwayne De Rosario arriving to New York just in time to notch an assist on his first touch to the stoppage time brace from Brazilian striker Camilo to save points at home for Vancouver, there were many moments in Week 4 with big fantasy implications.
There have been many fantasy disappointments thus far this season, too. Landon Donovan has only managed a measly one point in three games, and 2010 league MVP David Ferreira has accumulated -6 points in his three games! The big question is should you drop them now, or hang on until they regain last year’s form?
The players putting out the largest fantasy output this year have come from MLS Cup champion Colorado. Midfielder Jamie Smith has started this year on fire. He has notched two goals and an assist in his first three games to become an improbable leading fantasy player in MFLS. Colorado players Omar Cummings, Jeff Larentowicz, Anthony Wallace, and Matt Pickens are also in the top 10 in fantasy output.
Here are a few more items to consider before setting your fantasy lineup this week:
MULTIPLE GAMES
Vancouver (vs. NE, at Hou.) and New England (at Van., vs. RSL) both play two games this week; however, their matchups are not too favorable, so I would not go for broke trying to get players from these teams.
BYE WEEK
Portland and Sporting Kansas City are off this week. Be sure to alter your lineup accordingly.
FANTASY-FRIENDLY MATCHUPS
San Jose Earthquakes vs Toronto FC
Toronto has not looked good in its first three games, and the Reds have only played the two expansion teams and Chivas USA. San Jose is looking to get off to a good start so it can reach its goal of the MLS playoffs.
Chris Wondolowski showed that he still has the scoring touch he had in 2010 when he notched a brace two weeks ago vs. FC Dallas. Toronto is set to struggle without their recently traded playmaker Dwayne De Rosario. Look for Jon Busch to get his second shutout of the season and Wondolowski and the Earthquakes' offense tally a few goals on the TFC defense.
Seattle Sounders vs Chicago Fire
Having grabbed four points in two games, Fire fans have gotten to enjoy the start of their season. Many fans felt that they were going to be “the D.C. United of 2011” after spending much of the preseason without any major transfer news for their team. Meanwhile, Seattle fans with dreams of a Supporter’s Shield and a MLS Cup title, have experienced a team struggling to find the net, having only scored three in four games this season.
Despite the slow start to the season, I would look for major fantasy output from Seattle’s playmakers. Fredy Montero may return to the lineup after wrist surgery he had last week, and Steve Zakuani has regained his 2010 form. Look for this full strength Sounders team to take advantage of the Chicago defense that gave up two goals to a 10-men Sporting KC team in its last game.
D.C. United vs. L.A. Galaxy
D.C. is coming off a 4-1 thrashing on Sunday vs. Colorado and this week won’t get any easier with the Galaxy coming to town. United has allowed the second-most goals in the league, seven, in just three games. The team's attack is much improved from last year with the insertion of Charlie Davies, but he missed the Colorado game with a groin strain, and his status for the weekend is up in the air.
D.C. is playing at home in front of the Barra Brava, so this is not a gimme game for the Galaxy by any means, but I look for Landon Donovan to break out of his slump and lead the Galaxy to a win, especially with Juan Pablo Angel getting more minutes and looks on goal as of late.
INJURY WATCH
L.A.'s Omar Gonzalez and Donovan Rickets made their season debuts this past weekend. Feel confident about putting them in your line-ups this week...Conor Casey came off in the second half of Colorado’s win Sunday and has been ruled out for the next few weeks with a hamstring strain. Look to replace him with Caleb Folan or Cummings, who both have looked very strong this season...For other injury news, check out the most updated MLS injury report. Also, don’t forget to check out the latest disciplinary report for players serving suspensions.
The deadline for Week 5 is Wednesday at 9 pm. Be sure to change your lineups by then.
SBI League Standings (Top 10)
1. Dwizzles..........................................83 points
2. FC LC Reds....................................82
T3. HandtoBalls.................................75
T3. Hrycaldo…....................................75
5. Go Galaxy........................................74
T6. The Dilly’s Bar..............................73
T6. Apoplectic Armada......................73
T6. ChicagoFire8...............................73
9. 30 Kilsyth B SC..............................71
T10. SlumDog....................................70
T10. Cobra Kai...................................70
T10. Coastal FC.................................70
T10. Real Sporting FC United.........70
LAST WEEK'S SBI LEAGUE TOP SCORER
Winning! (39 points)
----------------------------Hall(6)-------------------------
--Gonzalez(3)---------Cameron(1)---------Parke(0)--
--Smith(7)--Gaven(6)--Juninho(1)--Zakuani(3)--
-----Bunbury(7)------Bruin(3)------Mwanga(-1)-----
Coach: Arena(3)
SBI Prediction League Standings (Top 10)
1. A1 SteakSauce..............................64 points
T2. RBA OneTwelve...........................62
T2. Pogon1966..................................62
T4. Bogdanov FK…….......................60
T4. The Crimson Hellions................60
6. Yankee Racers...............................57
7. Ravens Victoria..............................56
T8. Spartak SD...................................55
T8. Old Metro Stars............................55
T8. HandtoBalls..................................55
T8. The Shermanators......................55
LAST WEEK'S SBI PREDICTION LEAGUE TOP SCORERS
Winning! (25 points: 2 exact, 1 correct margin, 1 blowout, 1 tie)
Cincy Red Devils (25 points: 2 exact, 1 tie, 3 correct)
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How is your team looking thus far? What's your lineup looking like? Who do you think is in for the best fantasy week?
Share your thoughts below.
