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Three weeks in, I hope your fantasy teams are beginning to take shape. If they haven't, take solace in the fact that it's only three weeks on. You have 31 more to go. Former Dynamo Theory Fantasy writer Travi the Rabbi's 194 points after three weeks at the top of the Houston Dynamo League is a goal we can all strive for. Trav, if you're reading this, don't look back, because we're all coming for you. Especially me.
Clean sheets were in MLS managers' playbooks this week as three matches scored goalless 0-0 draws with three other teams earning shutouts. Of the eight matches and 16 teams that saw action this week, only ten goals were scored across all fixtures, making for another game week with top scoring defenders and goalkeepers.
Studs
1. Bradley Wright-Phillips - 13
Stat Line: 90 minutes, one goal, one assist, attacking bonus: 2, defending bonus: 1
BWP more than quadrupled his entire Fantasy MLS output this week thanks to an explosive display versus DC United. Red Bulls fans and players will hope to see more of that this season and that this is a sign of adaptation for BWP without Thierry Henry.
2. Ty Harden - 12
Stat Line: 90 minutes played, one goal, one assist, defending bonus: 1
The $6.0M defender had huge value-for-dollar for the 0.3% of FMLS managers who put him into their line-up. Like BWP, he more than quadrupled his season stat output after only having two points from their first matches.
3. Zach Loyd
Stat Line: 90 minutes played, clean sheet, defending bonus: 3
Loyd was a defender who benefitted from Pfeffer's red card for the Philadelphia Union. The FC Dallas back-line is one of the most resilient, and guys like Hedges will benefit from having great offense in front of them. Personally, he was the only member of my squad who made the Dream Team.
4. Nathan Sturgis - 9
Stat Line: 78 minutes played, one goal, defending bonus: 2
Sturgis was another one of those players who made the 0.3% of managers who selected him happy. I wouldn't put too much faith in him, but he could get some action next week for the Dynamo when they lose some key pieces to international duty, including Giles Barnes and Jermaine Taylor.
5. Evan Bush
Stat Line: 90 minutes played, clean sheet, four saves, defending bonus: 2
It was a good performance for Bush with a clean sheet to boot in the Impact's 0-0 draw with New England.
Two others tied at nine points. Honorable mentions: Harrison Shipp, Axel Sjoberg, Victor Cabrera.
Duds
1. David Villa - 2
Stat Line: 90 minutes played
Not the performance that Villa owners would've wanted. I saw a lot of people jump on the Villa train, but he just couldn't get anything this week. Don't lose hope in him yet, however.
2. Dom Dwyer - 2
Stat Line: 90 minutes played
Another disappointing performance from Dom as his selection % keeps dropping lower and lower.
3. Chris Wondolowski - 3
After an awesome week two, managers were finally buying back into the old Wondo. He didn't live up to that reputation in week three. I saw a lot of captain picks for Wondo this week, and that ship sunk quickly. But that's FMLS I guess. I wouldn't throw him off the boat too quickly.
Stat Line: 90 minutes played, defending bonus: 1
4. Lee Nguyen - 3
Stat Line: 90 minutes played, clean sheet
After missing game week one, Nguyen is still working to find his form, and it didn't come this week against the Montreal Impact.
5. Kaka - 3
Stat Line: 90 minutes played, attacking bonus: 1
Played well, but couldn't find the score sheet against the Vancouver Whitecaps. He was also devastated by a late 96th minute winner from Octavio Rivero, but he'll still be one of FMLS' top scorers this year.
MLS presents a lot of teasing match-ups next week. Every team is in action, and with that you have guys like Kei Kamara coming off of a bye week. But with that being said, teams like the Seattle Sounders are going head-to-head with the league's hottest offense and defense in FC Dallas. I would personally bank on LA to do the deed versus a strong DC United team who's coming off a tough 2-0 loss. Toronto FC vs. Real Salt Lake and New York City FC vs. Sporting Kansas City could be slated for some fireworks this weekend.
Good luck.