Now that the excitement of the first couple weeks of the MLS season is dwindling but that's no reason to ignore a perfectly good fantasy sport as well as a league with a rapidly improving quality of play (unless you happen to have caught any of DC United's last three games - not good times here in Our Nation's Capitol). FC Dallas look like they have a front line that could at least compete in some of the better leagues in the world (probably not the Prem, La Liga or Serie A) but definitely in France, Holland, or Portugal and maybe Germany along with the 2nd tier of England, Spain and Italy. Between EJ, Ruiz, Mulrooney & Ronnie O'Brien there's not only a lot of talent but a variety of scoring options. Come to think of it, I wouldn't be shocked if a few teams in the Big 3 leagues wouldn't trade their attack straight up for the guys in Dallas (are you listening West Brom? Charlton? Athletico Madrid?). A few other random notes from the games I've seen so far...
I'm creaping towards the Nate Jaqua (S, Chicago) bandwagon. Not quite ready to hop on but he made a difference when he came in vs. DC and brings a physical presence to the penalty area. Probably won't be creating too many of his own goals but neither has Brian McBride throughout his career. Having a guy like Thiago (the one on Chicago, not the one on Chivas) will really help open things up for Nate. Here's hoping he continues to get PT.
Is it something about the Meadowlands? I know its supposed to be tough playing in New York and all but I think that mostly applies to the teams like the Yankees, Knicks and Giants who have an army of local reporters and a rabid fan base criticizing every little thing. I don't live up there but I'm pretty sure the Metros aren't making the back page of the Post on a regular basis (if ever). How is it that they can't put even a decent team together? An ever harder question to answer with a good coach and great midfielders in place. Mystifying. Any chance their sister team is Liverpool?
Fantasy Note: Chicago and New England play an extra game this week so if you're thinking about using any of your transactions for points rather than budget accumulation, this might be the week. A bigger bonus in that both teams play strugglers (Columbus and Chivas respectively) on the weekend. Nate Jaqua, welcome to my starting line-up (along with the aforementioned Thiago and Michael Parkhurst). Bummed that I can't afford Dempsey but if you can - go for it.
Line 'em up...
Strikers
EJ - Until National Team duty calls, he's there.
Buddle - Until the Injured List calls, he's staying too.
Jaqua - Cashing in on Cerritos and jumping on the bandwagon
Midfielders
Mulrooney - Toss-up between he and O'Brien but he's cheaper and has produced slightly better so far.
Brad Davis - Fun to watch him play, but I'd love to trade him to the English National Team for Ledly King, Sol Campbell or someone else who will probably never play for the 3 Lions again now that Terry and Rio seem set for the next 5 years.
Thiago - Like his energy and creativity, throw in an extra game and he's in
Cuadros - Mediocre team but he seems like he's in the middle of whatever goes on with Chivas
Defenders
Parkhurst - Two games and he's been playing reasonably well and at least getting full matches, all for a reasonable price.
Freeman - The second rookie defender on the squad. Colorado looks to be playing tight D and I'm still on the bandwagon waiting for his offense to come once he gets settled at this level.
Albright - Still can't believe he's on the squad, but he's producing and LA seems set to score a lot of goals this season vs. a mediocre Western Conference
Keeper
Garlick - Don't think this is changing anytime soon.
Sad day when no one from United seems worthy of being included, but unless the refs are going to keep giving us two PKs a game, it's going to be tough.
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