Major League Soccer Fantasy Update

For any of you who haven't joined already sign up for the INFTH MLS Fantasy League.

ESPN soccernet's MLS fantasy game has reached the beginning of its second game play period.

New line-ups can be selected, though they must be completed before the midweek games kick off on Wednesday night.

Here are my picks for the second portion of the MLS fantasy season:

Faryd Mondragon- Major League Soccer's standout goalkeeper, Mondragon has been an integral part of a strong Philadelphia Union back line. A veteran player, Mondragon has brought calmness and experience to Philadelphia, a worthwhile member of any MLS fantasy team.

Roy Miller- A cheap option, yet a starting member of one of the league's finest back fours, Roy Milller is an obvious pick. The Red Bulls are always likely to keep a clean sheet, and Miller delivers the potential for assists as well, his runs down the flanks are a useful dimension to the NYRB attack.

Rafa Marquez- The Mexican maestro in the center of the Red Bulls' defense, Marquez is a must pick due to his set piece responsibilities. Assists from defenders are a precious commodity in any fantasy football game, and with Marquez in charge of every set piece, he's an easy pick.

Nat Borchers- The central defensive partnership between Borchers and Olave at RSL is part of the reason they are considered one of the best teams in MLS. A guaranteed starter and a goal threat, Borchers is worth the heavy price tag.

AJ DeLaGarza- Much like Roy Miller, DeLaGarza is a cheap member of a watertight defense. The LA Galaxy are one of the league's best defensive teams, and DeLaGarza is a much cheaper alternative to players like Omar Gonzalez.

Landon Donovan- The first man on my team sheet, Landon Donovan is the league's top fantasy point scorer. Though he is the most expensive player, leaving him out would be a terrible mistake, the man mints goals and assists.

Brad Davis- Brad Davis' ability to deliver from set pieces has been a boon to Houston this season, and that very skill is crucial to his success on the fantasy platform. The top assist maker in MLS, Davis is a reliable supplier of points, a no risk pick.

Jack Jewsbury- Pre-season this man was a million miles away from my fantasy team, but Portland's set piece exploits have forced him in. One of the Timbers' main free kick and corner takes, Jewsbury is another man with a penchant for providing assists, and he has even chipped in with two goals this year.

David Beckham- I know I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but this guy provides assists. He's got six this season, and with that kind of right foot, more will come.

Thierry Henry- After a less than impressive start to the season, Henry is on fire. With five goals so far, Henry is one of Major League Soccer's top scorers, a key part of a brilliant attack. The Frenchman is injury prone though, so make sure some transfers are saved up for the forward's niggles.


Teal Bunbury- After being rejected by Bob Bradley, Bunbury will have a point to prove as Kansas City finally open up Livestrong Park. Even on the road, and even losing, Sporting have scored goals this year, and I expect more to come as they start playing in their new arena.

Five Things We Learned From This Week's MLS Action

1. Portland are rather fond of set pieces- Another home win for the Timbers, and another set piece win as well.  The Timbers currently lead the league in goals scored off set pieces, the likes of Futti Danso and Kenny Coopers have been the main beneficiaries of Jack Jewsbury's incredibly consistent deliveries. This time around, it was Eric Brunner with the goal, the big central defender was the difference between Portland and the Columbus Crew. Last week, the Timbers' set piece tactics were the subject of complaints from Seattle manager Zhiggi Schmidt, but personally, I don't see anything wrong with playing to your strengths. Following that win, Portland have risen to fifth in the West, and if they can keep up their home form then the playoffs might not be too far fetched a fantasy.

2. LA can win ugly too- After a few weeks of flowing goals, Landon Donovan celebrations and easy wins, LA have proved that they can grind out the odd result too. With Donovan unable to find the score sheet, it was Chad Barrett who made the difference, converting a header directly off a whipped David Beckham free kick. To be perfectly honest, the Galaxy did not deserve the three points which they went on to gain, Chivas USA had their chances, but were unable to pounce upon them. However, the ability to find a way to win while playing poorly is one that could prove to be a great boon to LA, as they look to go one better than two years ago, and win the MLS Cup.

3. MLS is a wee short on goals- For a league so full of sharp, exciting attacking players, the dearth of goals in MLS is starting to become a real problem. Only four out of the last ten games have yielded more than two goals, and both Sunday's MLS match ups ended goalless. With the Gold Cup fast approaching, it is unlikely that things will improve either, players like De Rosario, Donovan, Agudelo and Wondolowski will all leave the league for several weeks, leaving Major League Soccer's injury hit attack short of numbers.

4. Carlos Ruiz deserves goal of the year already- There is nothing better than a brilliant goal scored at a big moment in a tight game. On Saturday, Major League Soccer fans had the pleasure of witnessing by far the goal of the season so far, one which was the decider in a delicately poised match. Latching onto his own poor free kick, Ruiz took a touch before lashing a high dipping effort into the back of the net from outside the penalty area. That goal led the Philadelphia Union to their first two goal haul of the 2011 MLS season, an astounding statistic for a team currently leading the Eastern Conference. Also scoring in that game was youngster Michael Farfan, a full back of real pedigree, and a man fast becoming an integral part of the Philadelphia Union's water tight defense.

5. Sporting KC can't get home quick enough- Everyone in MLS must be feeling sorry for Sporting Kansas City. Clearly fatigued, Sporting KC have yet to play a home match this season, and reside at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. However, following two away matches at Colorado and Toronto, Sporting will finally open Livestrong Park against the Chicago Fire, a date which can't come quick enough, especially after Saturday's heartbreak. Away at Qwest Field, and having held out strongly for what looked to be a precious away point, Sporting were hit with a late set piece sucker punch, as a Jeff Parke header helped the Sounders to the three points. Peter Vermes will hope that his side can pick up at least one win before the club's home opener, but even if they don't, a series of home games later on could boost the team up the table.

Five Things We Learned From Weekend's EPL Action

1. Liverpool are maybe not as good as we thought they were- In the latter periods of the 10/11 Premier League season, the club on the lips of nearly everyone was Liverpool FC. After a horrid opening phase to the campaign, Liverpool and new manager Kenny Dalglish managed to pull themselves up off the ground and mount a serious challenge for a Europa League spot. As the goals flowed, Liverpool were lauded from all corners, Lucas suddenly looked worthy of his passport, and Maxi actually scored a few goals. Next year everyone said, Liverpool would be up there challenging for the Barclays Premier League title. However, the season has ended on a sour note for the Reds, to straight losses to Tottenham and then Aston Villa stopped the Anfield team from claiming fifth spot, and that precious European place. Against Tottenham in particular, Liverpool were horrid, overrun in midfield, totally dominated by a Spurs side low on form and confidence. Maybe King Kenny has a little more work to do in the summer than he bargained for.

2. Arsenal have had a useless season- If we hadn't come to that conclusion already, we certainly have now. After periods of so much hope and excitement at the Emirates, Arsenal have disappointed again but this time so much so that they have dropped down into the dicey Champions League play offs. Only one place ahead of their City rivals, Arsenal's late season collapse was pounced upon by City,who are now confirmed a place in the Champions League group stages, a level of the competition that they will expect to progress from. Meanwhile, Arsenal will face a hazardous journey to the group phase, Bayern Munich, Villareal and Udinese all lay in wait, all more than capable of sending the Gunners packing.

3. Complacency kills- For Birmingham FC,this most beautiful of seasons has turned terribly sour. After toppling Arsenal in the Carling Cup final, it seemed impossible that a side like the Blues would ever even come close to relegation. However, a combination of complacency and Wolves' upturn in form have seen the Midlands club relegated to the Championship. With six or seven games to go, Birmingham looked very comfortable, however, a late run of defeats saw them pulled right back into the mire, and they now face a season in the Championship.

4. The Premier League will miss Holloway and Blackpool- It is fitting, that to mark their final match in the Premier League, Blackpool played out a 4-2 game at the home of the champions. Filled with gust and spirit, Blackpool looked likely to grab something for long periods of that match, only for poor defending to prove their downfall once again. The loss at Old Trafford was quintessential Blackpool, alive upfront, a shambles at the back. Certainly, the Premier League will be a much duller place without the charisma of Holloway, and the naivety of his Blackpool team. Some of their better known players will no doubt be retained though, Charlie Adam, David Vaughan and DJ Campbell are all likely to get shots elsewhere, but it simply won't be the same without the Tangerines.


5. Chelsea have a crucial summer in prospect- Once again, Roman Abramovich's trigger happy finger has sent a manager flying. After two years, yielding two major trophies, Carlo Ancelotti has been sacked by Chelsea FC. Candidates for the now vacant post have already been tossed around, Andre Villas Boas the Porto manager among a whole plethora of others. However, Chelsea's most comprehensive changes will need to occur within the playing department, experienced men like Drogba, Lampard and Terry could be on their way out, while finding a partner for Fernando Torres will be imperative. Chelsea is a team in need of a major injection of youth, especially in the wing departments, an area which cost them against Everton, as the Blues were unable to spread play and tire out a ten man Everton team.

The Golden Conundrum

Why Bob Bradley will have so much trouble choosing which strikers he plans to bring to the Concacaf Gold Cup...

The Candidates-


Juan Agudelo- Teenage dynamo Agudelo is the name on everybody's lips at the moment. Despite not locking down a starting spot with the Red Bulls, Agudelo has scored two terrfic goals this season, and produced a series of highly encouraging performances. Remarkably, Juan Agudelo has scored just as many National Team goals, he has netted two in three games for the Stars and Stripes. Certainly, Agudelo's youthful enthusiasm would be useful, but Bradley is unlikely to elect to start the eighteen year old in some of the competition's more important games.

Chances of going: 8.5/10

Jozy Altidore- Altidore has split opinion immensely in US Soccer circles, the American has proved himself on the National Team level in the past, but has struggled for goals and consistency more recently. Altidore possesses raw power, as well as Gold Cup experience, but his recent form has put a starting spot in serious doubt. However, Bob Bradley is generally believed to be a big fan of Jozy's, so I reckon that Altidore will get the nod, despite lacking the technical ability of Agudelo, and the form of players like Herculez Gomez.

Chances of going: 9.9/10

Charlie Davies- Davies' chances looked significantly brighter before the injury he sustained against Colorado. The DC united man has been in red hot goalscoring form this year, though it is still unclear whether he has retained the burning speed which so defined his game pre injury. Davies is widely considered as an outsider to go to the Gold Cup, the striker is still short of games since his return from the car crash, and a flurry of early goals in MLS may not have been enough to convince Bob Bradley of his worth. Personally, I see Davies as a better man to bring than the out of sorts Altidore, he offers the X Factor in attack, as well as a decent amount of National Team experience. The sooner Davies is reintroduced into the National Team fold the better, CD9 still has a great chance of starring for the United States in years to come.

Chances of going: 2/10

Chris Wondolowski- A star for the San Jose Earthquakes, last year's top scorer in MLS deserves a shot at National Team play. Wondolowski possesses an impressive skill set, as well as the eye for goal which served him so well last season. This year, Wondo has five goals in ten appearances for the Quakes, a far superior record to that of Agudelo, and one almost as good as Charlie Davies'. However, Wondolowski is virtually untested at the international level, his one cap coming in a friendly against Chile last year.

Chances of going: 3/10

Herculez Gomez- The Mexican League's top scorer in 2010, Gomez carved himself into the minds of US fans last summer, as he played for the United States in South Africa, having scored two goals in pre-tournament warm up games. Gomez has been less prolific for his club this year, but he still remains a decent option for Bob Bradley, experienced at the national level and more than capable of playing against Mexican opposition...

Chances of going: 7/10

Teal Bunbury- In my opinion, Bunbury is the most exciting young forward in American soccer, not Agudelo. Unlike his international colleague, Bunbury starts for his MLS club, and boasts a full season of experience at club level. Early season, Bunbury scored two goals against Vancouver that were just dripping with class, and I'd love to see him reproduce that at the Gold Cup. Unfortunately, Sporting KC's tough schedule has inhibited his progress this term, but I still think Bunbury represents a good option for Bradley.

Chances of going: 5/10

Edson Buddle- A very outside pick, Edson Buddle has acquitted himself fairly well playing in Bundesliga 2 for FC Inglostadt. With three goals in fourteen appearances, Buddle has helped the team climb out of the relegation zone, but his scoring total still remains quite meager. However, Buddle does boast a handful of caps, highlighted by his participation in the 2010 World Cup and his two goals against Australia in a pre-tournament warm up game. Buddle is a proven MLS goalscorer, so he would represent a safer pick than either Agudelo or Bunbury.

Chances of going: 1/10



Who I would bring: Bunbury, Wondo, Gomez

Who Bradley will bring: Altidore, Agudelo, Gomez

The Tragedy That Is Owen Hargreaves

It is difficult to remember a player who has been worse afflicted by the terrors of injury than now former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves.

Once dubbed the finest defensive midfield player in the World, Owen Hargreaves was a key figure in the Manchester United first team, instrumental to United's double success of 2008. Versatile, Hargreaves was able to play all along the right side, as well as in the holding midfield position he frequented most.

Arguably, Hargreaves had been England's best performing player in the 2006 World Cup. He was the most lively member of an anemic England midfield, and was the only man to convert from the spot in the Three Lions' shoot out loss at the hands of Portugal.

However, under that terrific exterior, Hargreaves has an underlying weakness, the Canadian born Englishman has been dogged by injuries, ones which have limited his progress after a terrific debut season at United.

Tendonitis in both knees, and recurring minor injuries have conspired to stop Hargreaves from participating in the first team, the Englishman has had to watch on from the sidelines as his teammates have made history over the last three season.

When United needed him most, in the Champions League final of 2009, Hargreaves was still on the treatment table, undoubtedly, his energy in midfield would have assisted in keeping out the likes of Xavi and Iniesta. Time and time again, critics of United have insisted that they miss a strong presence in central midfield, a void that was left gaping open by  Hargreaves' consistent problems.

The Hargreaves tragedy is one that has not just effected United though, England have sorely missed him too. Capello's men were ripped apart by the verve of players like Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mesut Ozil in South Africa, could Hargreaves have not posed a more substantial challenge to them than the mediocre Gareth Barry?

Hargreaves had the potential to be a shining light on both the club and international stage, after all, even despite those injuries he still boasts a remarkable collection of medals, including two Champions League triumphs, and league titles in both England and Germany. Hargreaves is a member of a select club of English players to have won Champions League titles with non-English teams, as well as a select club of English players to have improved their reputation after playing in a World Cup.

May 22, 2011 will forever remain a sad day in the career of Owen Hargreaves. After years of struggles, the midfielder has been released by Manchester United, with a message of hope, for the resurrection of the man's career.

At age thirty, there is still gas left in Hargreaves' tank, if only he can overcome his injury problems, he could still yet prove to be a crucial player for a whole variety of teams in Europe. Hargreaves is the best English holding midfield player of his generation, and he won't let a few injuries get in the way, as he looks to go out on a high.