TAP Fantasy Soccer Breakdown
By Doug Smith
Week one of MLS Fantasy Manager is in the books and nearly 50 people are signed up for The American Pitch league. After one week two players have pulled ahead of the back. Here is a look back at their teams as well as the best team of week one. Now is the time to hit the waiver wire and make those transfers so keep reading for some pointers as we move into week two.
The overall leader of the TAP league is team Quarterback Style with 101 points. Eva Hall’s team is actually ninth overall in MLS Fantasy Manager. Here is Hall’s team for week one.
GK: Tally Hall
Defense: Young-Pyo Lee, Matt Besler, Austin Berry, Josh Williams
Midfield: Graham Zusi, Brad Davis, Mike Magee, Perry Kitchen
Forwards: Robbie Keane, Chris Wondolowski
The totals could have been even higher if Wondo would have converted about a half dozen chances for the Earthquakes last night. Even defensive minded midfielder Kitchen managed four points. Obviously this team was carried by Magee, Keane, and Zusi. Keane was the captain of Quarterback Style making the points totals even higher. Josh Williams was the highest ranked defenseman after week one.
Mar 2, 2013; Carson, CA, USA; Columbus Crew defender Josh Williams (3) celebrates after scoring a goal against the Chivas USA during the second half at the Home Depot Center. The Columbus Crew defeated the Chivas USA 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
The second place team in the league, Nil Nil, trails by only one point. Charlie Ciccotto managed 100 points out of week one with the following lineup.
GK: Andy Gruenebaum
Defense: Todd Dunivant, Zach Loyd, Matt Hedges, Aurelien Collin
Midfield: Daigo Kobayashi, Graham Zusi, Brad Davis, Diego Valeri
Forward: Federico Higuaín, Robbie Keane
Captain and vice captain attackers that each register goals will always help your cause. Nil Nil still has $2.5 in the bank as well with the ability to maneuver for week two.
The dream team for the week that would have registered 129 points before factoring in the captain and vice roles includes the following players.
GK: Troy Perkins
Defense: Josh Williams, Omar Gonzalez, Chris Schuler, Todd Dunivant
Midfield: Mike Magee, Graham Zusi, Gershon Koffie
Forward: Alvaro Saborio, Fabian Espindola, Robbie Keane
Stock Down
Steward Cues – GK, Rapids: His blunder was the reason his team lost. Matt Pickens should return soon but his status is unclear currently. Steer clear of any Rapids keeper until Pickens is back healthy.
Mikael Silvestre – D, Timbers: He’s only owned by 1% of teams in the game and he looked lost for the majority of the match last night. No need to waste even a bench spot right now until he figures out MLS play.
Juan Agudelo – F, Chivas: It is going to be hard for Agudelo to get going considering his team situation. There are no fans to even help with the atmosphere.
Stock Up
Diego Valeri – MF, Timbers: It did not take Valeri long to adjust to life in MLS. His goal is up for goal of the week, rightfully so. He not only scored, but seemed to be able to orchestrate well during the Timbers comeback. Side note given that Caleb Porter seems to have given him the reigns; Darlington Nagbe is also on the rise, but be careful overloading your midfield with players from the same squad.
Kenny Mansally – D, Real Salt Lake: Mansally was a bit shaky at first but settled in well. It looks like he may play long minutes and with Nick Rimando behind him the clean sheet totals could rise.
Raul Fernandez – GK, Dallas: Fernandez won the starting job and made three saves on the way to a clean sheet. He may be a good keeper to rotate, especially in week two against Chivas.
Watch List
Chance Myers – D, KC: Myers is only selected by 7.2% of players in the game but tallied an assist in 89 minutes of work. Given that defending units can often rack up points, he might be a good add for his service abilities alongside Collin.
Keon Daniel – MF, Union: We are definitely on a wait and see with Daniel as he picked up an assist on opening weekend. He is owned by less than 1% of the teams, but showed promise as a part of the Philadelphia attack.
Joao Plata – F, Real Salt Lake: The game opened up when Plata was inserted, but he does not look to be a viable starter just yet.