Here are a few tips to help you select your squad for Round 28 of Fantasy Soccer: Manager before Wednesday night’s action begins. Nine teams play twice between now and the end of the international break: Chicago, Chivas USA, Colorado, Columbus, Houston, New England, Portland, Seattle and Toronto FC. No team has a bye.
Field Player to Buy
Fredy Montero (Seattle Sounders FC, $11.3 million) – Montero and the Sounders have been inching closer to the second seed in the Western Conference, losing just once in their last 10 games. In Seattle’s last five games, Montero has scored six goals, averaging eight fantasy points a game. Currently, he’s first among all forwards in the “form” category with an eight and second overall behind Montreal’s Patrice Bernier. In addition, Montero is second in MLS in shots and fourth in shots on goal. On Saturday, the Sounders will be hosting a Chivas USA team that has allowed 13 goals in its last three games (4.33 GAA). A week later, they’ll travel to Portland to take on a Timbers defense that has allowed the third-most goals in MLS this season (43, 1.65 GAA). With that being said, I don’t see Montero having a problem tallying his 12th goal of the season this round.
WATCH: Montero makes it a hat trick
Field Player to Sell
Álvaro Saborío (Real Salt Lake, $10.5 million) – “Sabo” is having a fantastic season for RSL, scoring 14 goals and registering five game-winning goals. However, in Round 28, he’ll be playing the Houston Dynamo at BBVA Compass Stadium. The Orange have allowed just 10 goals in 13 home games this season (0.76 GAA). Also, Saborío has only scored one away goal this season and has scored just one goal in his last five games. This round, I would trade or bench Saborío and explore other options.
Goalkeeper to Buy
Michael Gspurning (Seattle Sounders, $6.2 million) – This round, Gspurning will be defending the woodwork against the two teams in the Western Conference that have scored the fewest goals this season (Chivas USA and Portland). Chivas USA have scored a league-worst 20 goals (0.80 GF), while Portland has scored 27 goals (1.03 GF). In 13 games in his first MLS season, Gspurning has allowed just nine goals (0.72 GAA) and racked up a 9-2-2 record. Furthermore, he’s only allowed multiple goals twice this season. I’d start Gspurning and possibly tag him with the captain’s armband this round.
Goalkeeper to Sell
Andy Gruenebaum (Columbus Crew, $5.9 million) – Gruenebaum and the Crew have the league’s attention thanks to a four-game winning streak keyed by new arrival Federico Higuaín. However, the Crew are the only club who have two away games this round (New England and New York). In addition, Gruenebaum and his backline have not recorded a shutout in their last six away matches. With the Revs scoring six goals in their last three games (2.0 GF) and Red Bulls scoring eight goals in their last four games (2.0 GF), I would step away from Gruenebaum this round.
Surprise Player This Round
Luis Silva (Toronto FC, $5.7 million) – TFC host both the Chicago Fire and the Philadelphia Union at BMO Field this week. Silva has been seeing more playing time up top since designated player Danny Koevermans suffered a season-ending injury back in July, and he’s already tallied four goals this season. But I think the rookie has a breakout performance in him, and this round is when he’ll produce it.
WATCH: Silva slots it home
Surprise Player Last Round
Ramiro Corrales (San Jose Earthquakes, $5.9 million) – In Round 27, the last active player from the league’s inaugural season in 1996 scored off of two beautifully struck set pieces, helping the San Jose Earthquakes leap past Chivas USA 4-0. Plus, he earned a clean sheet and a defending bonus for an astonishing 19 points in all.
Jimmy Bowers is a former MLS fantasy champion.
