Welcome to Soccer Notes, a new blog here on SoccerFantasyPro.com that will update you with the news around Major League Soccer and give you insight on how it could affect your fantasy teams. This new blog will be updated bi-weekly, alternating with a more streamlined fantasy blog to give you hints and suggestions on specific players to buy or bench. But enough housekeeping; let's get down to business.
The news: U.S. national team tops Barbados 8-0 to kick off World Cup qualifying
With several MLS players playing big parts, Bob Bradley's side cruised to an easy victory Sunday at The Home Depot Center. Brian Ching (Houston Dynamo) notched a pair of goals and Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy) chipped in (literally) with a cheeky free kick. Brad Guzan (Chivas USA) and Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids) also saw action in the first World Cup 2010 qualifying match for the Americans. Perhaps the only bad news for the U.S. was Mastroeni's early departure due to an apparent hamstring injury. The second leg of the home-and-home series is set for June 22. Given the huge Leg 1 advantage, Bradley could choose to make some changes to his team before heading to the Caribbean. Keep an eye out for that news early in the week.
The news: Hat tricks for Emilio, Buddle
At long last, D.C. United seem to have found their form. On the shoulders of Luciano Emilio, who netted a hat trick, the Black-and-Red thumped the New York Red Bulls 4-1 Saturday night at a rain-soaked RFK Stadium. Not to be outdone, Edson Buddle recorded his second hat trick of the season in the Galaxy's 3-0 win over San Jose later that same night. D.C. has begun the climb toward the top of the Eastern Conference, though they still have a ways to go. The Galaxy, though, are the only Western team with a winning record and rightfully own the top spot in the conference.
The news: Say 'adiós' to Jozy
Jozy Altidore has officially signed with Villareal of Spain and is no longer a member of the New York Red Bulls. If he's still on your fantasy team, dump him ASAP and start shopping for replacements. It's not likely that he's going to pull a "Landon" and be back in a few weeks because he misses his girlfriend.
The news: The Kansas City Wizards can't win a game
Their last victory in league play came all the way back on April 20. With their next scheduled match set for this Saturday (June 21), that means it is going to be at least two months between victories, and that's only if they find a way to top Toronto FC at BMO Field, something no other team has done yet this season. Needless to say, you may want to look elsewhere for impact players and defensive help.
The news: Busy week ahead in MLS
Midweek games are great in the way that they break up the monotony of the work week. We're treated to three this week, including a pair on Wednesday night. The New York Red Bulls, New England Revolution, San Jose Earthquakes and Real Salt Lake all have two games in Week 13. That means twice as many chances for those players to pick up points for you.
WOW (Worst of the Week) Award: Barbados. No explanation needed.