Badji $5.0 COL: Badji was a surprise inclusion in the starting XI for Colorado, but the youngster played well over the 90 minutes. It appears that Colorado is committed to developing this young talent.
DeLeon $6.5 DC: DeLeon kept hopes alive for DC fans throughout the middle of the 4-1 loss to LA. A sure starter for DC with the potential to be a game changer. A great bench option and situational starter.
Francis $6.0/Colvey $4.5 SJ: Francis left the game at halftime and was replaced by Colvey. Rumors indicate a quad strain for Francis. Both are value picks in the back, but a $4.5 starter is a steal. Don’t assumer Colvey will be the guy, but definitely one to watch before rosters lock on Friday.
Hallisey $5.0 SKC: Hallisey showed a lot of promise for KC in their 1-0 win. The young winger could be a great asset, until Mapp and Davis both return from injury. More than likely, Davis sat out to avoid further injury due to heavy turf and will play in the next two home games.
Hines $7.5/Redding $5.0 ORL: These two started the season in absence of Collin and Mateos. Collin should be back soon and who takes the field is up in the air. Redding had a marginally better game overall, but Hines has the experience. A Friday night game gives you the chance to select the starter before roster lock.
Loyd $7.5 DAL: Loyd was relegated to the bench for the opening weekend. It appears that he will be the first sub at any of the defensive positions going forward. Minutes may be hard to come by unless an injury opens up a spot.
Magee $7.2 LAG: Magee was spectacular in his return to LA. His performance should displace Giovani dos Santos for the starting role for at least a few weeks. He’s one to consider taking a risk on given all the attacking potential around him.
Oduro $7.6 MTL: Oduro appears to be the go to starter in the absence of Drogba. Given that Drogba will miss 3 of the next 4 for, he’s a solid addition to a lineup considering the offensive capabilities of the Impact. Depending on the severity of Lucas Ontivero’s injury which ended his MLS debut early, Oduro may see time at RM as well as Andreas Romero recovers from a knee injury. Anthony Jackson-Hamels and Johan Venegas may also see time at RM.
Remick $5.5 SEA: Brad Evans could be back as early as this week after a shoulder injury, but may miss more time. Fisher however will have to sit at least a game. Remick is the likely candidate to fill the vacancy. A cheap option
Rowe $4.6 LA: With the extent of the Dan Kennedy injury unknown, Rowe may be the cheapest starting GK in the league for a few weeks. Keep an eye on the injury reports surrounding this one.
Taylor $5.5 NYC: Taylor got the start on the wing in NYC’s 4-3-3, a position he tried to solidify with a goal. Assuming the spot is now his, he may be the best bench forward in the game.
Rumored Injuries and Unknown Absences:
MLS Soccer keeps this list up to date, but at the time of publishing the list is a week behind: http://www.mlssoccer.com/injuries
- Collin ORL: Unknown, DNP
- Evans SEA: Speculated Dislocated Shoulder, Day to Day
- Francis SJ: Speculated Quad Injury, Halftime Sub
- Gilberto CHI: Calf Issue, Day to Day
- Nyarko DC: Concussion Protocol: Halftime Sub
- Ontivero MTL: Leg Injury, Second Half Sub
- Rowe NE: Speculated Leg Injury, Halftime Sub
If Brad Evans is out, I expect Zach Scott will start at CB. I highly doubt Remick will start unless Mears also has a set back and doesn’t play this weekend. Seems unlikely.
I’m not 100% on his status, but he may have picked up a knock in the CCL game. They got beat up a bit during it.