The highlights from Week 11 in Major League Soccer included a number of season firsts. Why is this significant to the fantasy game? Because those firsts should give you reason to be hopeful about the future of some of those involved. Here's my take.
- Taylor Twellman (Forward, New England Revolution) made his first appearance of the season on Saturday, playing 65 minutes in the home side's controversial victory over D.C. United. While he didn't find the net, the pesky striker did find himself in good positions. It's only a matter of time before one of the league's most prolific scorers tallies his first this season.
- Fred (Midfielder, D.C. United) did find the net in that match for his first of the season. He was unlucky not to have more, especially with his wicked shot from the top of the box clanging off the crossbar. The Brazilian lined up in a central position with Christian Gomez out because of injury. Coach Tom Soehn could let the mono-named star run the show again Thursday night vs. New York.
- Pat Noonan (Midfielder/Forward, Columbus Crew) finally picked up his first start of the season for Columbus as well. He celebrated with a picture-perfect assist -- his first of the season -- on Alejandro Moreno's goal. A win at home and a draw on the road last week means the defending MLS Cup champs are showing signs of life. Noonan's full return can only help.
- Edson Buddle (Forward, Los Angeles Galaxy) scored his first goal of the season Saturday. His club's 1-1 draw with their fourth game in a row with that score line, and their fifth consecutive draw. But if Buddle can get back to the kind of form he enjoyed last season, when he scored a career-high 15 goals, the Galaxy might actually be able to improve on their ridiculous 1-1-9 record.
- Jeff Cunningham (Forward, FC Dallas) also found the net for the first time in the 2009 this season, providing the first goal in a 3-0 rout of the Chicago Fire Sunday. The Hoops will need plenty more from the veteran marksman if they are to climb out of the Western Conference basement and get into playoff contention.
- Cornell Glen (Forward, San Jose Earthquakes) made his first appearance of the season in his team's midweek loss to the Crew. Things went much better for both club and player on Saturday, as San Jose picked up its first win since March with a 2-1 victory over Real Salt Lake. Glen's first of the season got them off and running. Just like with FCD, the Quakes still have a long way to go. Glen's addition certainly won't hurt matters though.
And just so that you don't think all was peachy around the league last week, here are a few blemishes to consider.
- Poor refereeing stole points from both Chivas USA and D.C. United, as stoppage time penalty kicks doomed each to a loss when they should have had a draw. Neither "foul" was beyond question, and most would probably agree that the decisions were at least harsh.
- Freddie Ljungberg (Midfielder, Seattle Sounders FC) scuffed a penalty kick wide of the target Saturday at home against the reigning MLS Cup champs. Because of the miss nearly 30,000 fans on hand were forced settle for just one point. It was the team's fifth straight draw, meaning they were both unbeaten and winless in the month of May.
- Gregg Berhalter (Defender, Los Angeles Galaxy) had to take his second straight red card of the season Saturday. In each situation he has pulled down an attacking player after being beaten as the last man.