Never Manage Alone - MLS Fantasy Approaches - We Get Our EPL Methadone Treatment ReadyThe Fantasy Soccer Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51007/nma-fav.png2013-03-01T11:02:10-08:00http://www.nevermanagealone.com/rss/stream/37971032013-03-01T11:02:10-08:002013-03-01T11:02:10-08:00MLS Fantasy Player Picks: Kick Off Weekend
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<img alt="ALERT: This guy (DeRo) won't be playing for the first two weeks due to suspension" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/E67-V_DjXf8621O8_uNfmWekGg0=/0x12:511x353/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8923925/118662584.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>ALERT: This guy (DeRo) won't be playing for the first two weeks due to suspension | Andy Marlin</figcaption>
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<p>The start of a new season is always exciting for fantasy managers. So far, none of us (other than Dwayne De Rosario) have made any mistakes or fallen behind in the standings which is always nice. So, with that in mind, we're off with our first player picks column of the season. </p> <p>If you're looking for more information before making your final choices, <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/02/28/mls-fantasy-who-takes-corners-set-pieces-and-penalty-kicks" target="_blank">here is some analysis</a> on who takes set pieces for MLS teams by our friend and NMA MLS Fantasy Insider Ben Jata. That said, kickoff is tomorrow so I'm sure everyone reading is looking for some advice so here is my analysis of the opening weekend: </p>
<p><b>Schedule</b></p>
<p>In games like the one at <a target="_blank" href="http://fantasy.mlssoccer.com/">MLSSoccer.com</a> where transfers are limited we can't do TOO much week-to-week optimizing but there will always be two or three teams that have excellent match-ups that will be the focus of your limited transfer activity. Another confounding factor is that the season has yet to start and, unlike Europe's big leagues, there is a fair amount of year-to-year fluctuation in the quality of MLS teams. You can probably count on San Jose, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/">Houston Dynamo</a>, and Sporting KC being pretty good and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/">Chivas USA</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.wakingthered.com/">Toronto FC</a> being pretty bad but in-between there will be a lot of unknown. In light of this, here are the match-ups that I'm focused on for this weekend: </p>
<p><b>Sporting KC at Philadelphia Union </b>- The Union should be strong defensively once the new faces mesh but KC are very good and it's probably a little early to expect the Union to be locking down the league's best teams. </p>
<p><b>Houston Dynamo vs. DC United</b> - I've been a DC United supporter since the league began and they're coming off of a very nice season but Houston is better, playing at home, and they just seem to kill United. I hate to say it but Houston should have a significant advantage here and even more so since DeRo is suspended for the first two matches. (Happy to be wrong on this one)</p>
<p><b>Seattle Sounders vs. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/">Montreal Impact</a></b> - Seattle are better and playing at home - 'nuff said. </p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.massivereport.com/">Columbus Crew</a> at Chivas USA </b>- Chivas USA are a bit of a mess, especially in attack and Columbus seem to be on the rise which makes me feel good about the Crew in this one. </p>
<p>The nice thing about Sporting KC and Houston is that you probably want to keep players on both teams longer than one week - same with the LA Galaxy players at home to Chicago. Columbus players will likely be week-to-week starters. Seattle could go either way depending on how the revamped attack comes together. </p>
<p><b>Player Picks</b></p>
<p>I'm going with a starting line up of <span>Robbie Keane</span> (c), <span>Will Bruin</span>, Juninho (NYRB version), <span>Graham Zusi</span>, <span>Chris Pontius</span>, <span>Diego Valeri</span>, <span>Markus Holgersson</span>, <span>Todd Dunivant</span>, <span>Corey Ashe</span>, <span>Kosuke Kimura</span>, and Zac McMath. </p>
<p>On my bench I have <span>Bill Hamid</span>, <span>Daniel Woolard</span>, <span>Miller Bolanos</span>, and <span>Diego Fagundez</span>.</p>
<p>Others I strongly considered include <span>Brad Davis</span>, <span>Kenny Cooper</span>, <span>Andy Gruenebaum</span>, <span>Jhon Kennedy Hurtado</span> and the other two premium forwards <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110250/thierry-henry">Thierry Henry</a> and <span>Chris Wondolowski</span>.</p>
<p>Chime in with your line-ups for the first weekend of the season and remember to join us in our private league (<a href="http://fantasy.mlssoccer.com/" target="_blank">create a team</a> > click "League" > join a Private League > Enter League Code 5633-1479. We should have some prizes to announce soon. </p>
https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2013/3/1/4044284/mls-player-picks-kick-off-weekend-editionNeal Thurman2013-02-27T11:50:09-08:002013-02-27T11:50:09-08:00MLS Fantasy Preview: Eastern Conference Rundown
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<img alt="Ready to break out?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fe7fSOL1CSrFz6HTnBcg07AJ3hg=/0x0:493x329/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8819015/127834152.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ready to break out? | Elsa</figcaption>
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<p>Our MLS Fantasy Insider has posted his team-by-team preview for the Eastern Conference at MLSSoccer.com, we've got some highlights and the link to his full article.</p> <p>Ben Jata, NMA's newly minted MLS Fantasy Insider, has been doing a crazy amount of work this week getting us all ready for the kickoff of both the MLS season and, more importantly given the nature of these here blog, the MLS Fantasy season. Here is the link to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/02/26/mls-fantasy-eastern-conference-team-team-breakdown">the full article</a>, and here are a few thoughts I had upon reading it:</p>
<p><span>Tyson Wahl</span>, D, Columbus at 4.5 is a really nice option in Week 1 with a match-up with a <a href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chivas USA</a> team that wasn't good last season and will likely take a while to gel (if they ever do) with a ton of new players on hand. He may not be more than a bench defender for you most weeks but for Week 1 I have high hopes.</p>
<p><span>Daniel Woolard</span>, D, DC United at 4.5 is another great option for not very much money. I was higher on <span>Chris Korb</span> earlier in the pre-season but with the acquisition of <span>James Riley</span> from Chivas USA Woolard's starting spot seems more secure. Korb may get more starts than Riley but seems likely to frustrate managers with occasional rotations - especially against lighter weight opponents when managers might realistically expect a Clean Sheet from Korb.</p>
<p><span>Diego Fagundez</span>, F, <a href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Revolution</a> at 6.5 is coming on strong. He isn't a sure starter but it appears that he has a pretty good chance. If you need an enabler with upside on your forward line to help you afford some of the bigger names then he's your guy - he's certainly mine for the start of the season.</p>
<p>If you missed Ben's <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/02/25/mls-fantasy-western-conference-team-team-breakdown" target="_blank">Team-by-Team Western Conference Preview</a> then you should check that out too.</p>
https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2013/2/27/4036734/mls-fantasy-preview-eastern-conference-rundownNeal Thurman2013-02-26T13:36:51-08:002013-02-26T13:36:51-08:00MLS Fantasy Insider: Five New Bargain Signings
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<img alt="One of our old EPL favorites NRC has made his way across the pond to MLS" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/3NjIiv2th11WHNt-9IMzoxOydC0=/0x440:2875x2357/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8766617/155672856.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>One of our old EPL favorites NRC has made his way across the pond to MLS | Tom Shaw</figcaption>
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<p>As part of our MLS Fantasy Preview we introduce our MLS Fantasy Insider Ben Jata who will be bringing wisdom from Opta and MLS itself to his work with Never Manage Alone. He kicks off his work with his analysis of five signings new to the league who are worth your fantasy trouble. </p> <p><i>Editor's Note: Please welcome Ben Jata on-board as the official MLS Fantasy Insider for Never Manage Alone. Jeremy and I have been playing for years but have never had the time and resources to fully dedicate ourselves to studying MLS fantasy. In order to give you the best experience possible we've invited MLSSoccer.com's very own fantasy expert to provide NMA with some exclusive content as well as linking to additional resources on MLSSoccer.com. We hope you enjoy his columns as well as those from Jeremy and me as supplement Ben. </i></p>
<p>With the 2013 MLS season just a few days away we're going to take a look at a few new signings that you might not know of. The five players below are significant additions and will likely be key contributors once the season starts. But, the <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/02/01/fantasy-fixes-five-best-newcomers-help-your-team"><b>Top 5 new (and more expensive) signings</b></a> you want to know about have already been published. Have a look once you're done scrolling through the bargains below.</p>
<p>If you haven't signed up for MLS Fantasy yet, <a href="http://www.nevermanagealone.com/2013/2/19/4005528/mls-fantasy-approaches-we-get-our-epl-methadone-treatment-ready"><b>here's how to do so</b></a>. The code for the EPL Methadone (@NMA_Blog) league is 5633-1479. There are a ton of free prizes up for grabs - a trip to the 2014 MLS All Star game, official MLS Foosball table, team jerseys and more.</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://fantasy.mlssoccer.com/"><b>Sign up for Fantasy Soccer: Manager >></b></a></p>
<p align="center">or...</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://games.espn.go.com/fc-manager-mls/2013/en/?invitesource=email&inviteuser=MTU4NDg0MjQ%3D&ex_cid=invite-email-fc-manager-mls" target="_blank"><b>Sign up for ESPN - FC Manager >></b></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/nigel-reo-coker"><b>Nigel Reo-Coker</b></a><b> (M), $7.5m, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.eightysixforever.com/">Vancouver Whitecaps</a> </b>- Reo-Coker noted that the conversation and persistence put forth by Vancouver Head Coach <span>Martin Rennie</span> is what swayed him to choose the Canadian side over other MLS clubs interested in his services. He brings with him a wealth of experience from the English Premier League, and at 28 years old, some feel as if he still hasn't reached his full potential. It may take him a few games to get acclimated to the style of play, but expect him to see him on the pitch in Week 1. The Whitecaps have a lot of weapons so there's potential <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/02/21/report-reo-coker-reveals-he-will-be-joining-caps"><b>(More on the Reo-Coker signing)</b></a><b></b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/carlo-cudicini"><b>Carlo Cudicini</b></a><b> (GK), $5.5m, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/">LA Galaxy</a> </b>- The 39 year-old keeper joined the team earlier this preseason despite the Galaxy still having their starting keeper (Josh Saunders) and adding another as well in William Hesmer. However, since then, Hesmer retired and Saunders went on trial with Real Salt Lake. Cudicini brings over a decade of experience in the Premier League, so it's safe to say he'll be the starter come opening day. He could be a nice buy, but I'm holding off until I see him in the net. <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/01/24/keane-friedel-play-key-roles-cudicinis-arrival-mls"><b>(More on the Cudicini signing)</b></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/gl%C3%A1uber"><b>Glauber</b></a><b> (D), $5.0m, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.massivereport.com/">Columbus Crew</a></b> - He joins <span>Chad Marshall</span> at center back on a Crew team that saw quite a few defensive players leave. It remains to be seen how good he'll play with his new teammates, but Crew president and GM Mark McCullers is excited regardless. He's guaranteed to start and his upside is better than most because of the company he has around him. Let's just hope <span>Andy Gruenebaum</span> can perform like he did in the beginning of the season as opposed to the end! <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/01/22/crew-sign-brazilian-defender-gl%C3%A1uber-compliment-marshall"><b>(More on the Glauber signing)</b></a></p>
<p><b></b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/andrea-pisanu"><b>Andrea Pisanu</b></a><b> (M), $7.5m, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mountroyalsoccer.com/">Montreal Impact</a></b> - Loads of experience playing in Serie A between 2004-2012. Unfortunately, he was only able to score six goals in 75 games over that span. He can dribble, shoot and find the open man with both feet, but look for him to play more of a flanker role. He has a very creative supporting cast, so I see him getting into space and creating opportunities for his teammates. Look for similar production to <span>Justin Mapp</span> last season, maybe a tad more. <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/01/31/impact-loanee-pisanu-di-vaio-corradi-sold-me-montreal"><b>(More on the Pisanu signing)</b></a></p>
<p><b></b></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/kalifa-cisse"><b>Kalifa Cisse</b></a><b> (M), $6.0m, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/">New England Revolution</a></b> - At 6'2", 180 pounds, Cisse brings that bruiser mentality to MLS. Technically he can distribute going forward, but at the same time he can get back and stop a quick counter attack. He'll likely get you points on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball - how much is my concern. He won't be a high scoring player this season, but he'll give you average production with possible upside in certain games - assuming he gets solid playing time in a midfield that's overly crowded already. <a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2012/11/20/revs-expect-new-signing-cisse-make-significant-impact"><b>(More on the Cisse signing)</b></a><b></b></p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://fantasy.mlssoccer.com/"><b>Sign up for Fantasy Soccer: Manager >></b></a><b></b></p>
<p align="center">or...</p>
<p align="center"><a href="http://games.espn.go.com/fc-manager-mls/2013/en/?invitesource=email&inviteuser=MTU4NDg0MjQ%3D&ex_cid=invite-email-fc-manager-mls" target="_blank"><b>Sign up for ESPN - FC Manager >></b></a></p>
<p><b>For more of Ben's Fantasy MLS analysis, check out this post from MLSSoccer.com - </b><b><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/02/25/mls-fantasy-western-conference-team-team-breakdown">MLS Fantasy: Western Conference team-by-team breakdown</a></b></p>
https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2013/2/26/4033082/mls-fantasy-insider-five-new-signings-worthy-of-a-roster-spotNeal Thurman2013-02-19T15:30:04-08:002013-02-19T15:30:04-08:00Fantasy MLS Bargains
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<img alt="How do you afford this guy? Read our list and find out" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/n_aq6ImYcVDfDInWdTl3CB_z1XA=/0x0:2982x1988/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8381005/20121201_jla_usa_567.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>How do you afford this guy? Read our list and find out | Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>We certainly don't have the market cornered on detailed MLS knowledge but we do know a thing or two about fantasy bargains so here's our look at those players who will help you fill out a credible roster and afford some of the league's studs. </p> <p>We welcome additional comments from readers who have deep knowledge of one or more MLS teams but we've spent some time bumping what information we do have up against the prices for the MLS fantasy game and here is an early list of some players who have a chance to be the kind of bargains that <span>Nick DeLeon</span> was last season for DC United and fantasy managers everywhere:</p>
<p><b>Miller Bolanos, M, <a href="https://delete.sbnprivate.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chivas USA</a></b> - The young midfielder had a productive season last year on a terrible team. The hope is that with another year of improvement and a more aggressive attacking system he can increase his production to the point where he's worth significantly more than his very reasonable starting price of 6.5.</p>
<p><b><span>Tony Cascio</span>, M, <a href="https://www.burgundywave.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colorado Rapids</a></b> - In a 4-3-3 formation there will always be potential value in players listed as midfielders but playing in forward positions and Cascio appears to have a strong chance of being one of those guys. He was effective as a fantasy option in stretches last season and if the new system benefits his fantasy performance he could be a bargain at 6.5. Veteran <b>Brian Mullen</b> is also a potential bargain at 6.0 - he's certainly been better than that in his career and even his 2012 performance would lead you to believe he'd be more expensive.</p>
<p><b><span>Josh Williams</span>, D, <a href="https://www.massivereport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Columbus Crew</a></b> - There aren't a ton of defenders who scored over 120 points last season that are priced as low as 5.0 - Williams is one of them and as such is worth a look.</p>
<p><b><span>Chris Korb</span> / <span>Perry Kitchen</span> / <span>Casey Townsend</span>, D, M, and F, DC United</b> - Of the two, Kitchen is the better bet as he is a sure starter for United who grinds out fantasy points in a very unspectacular way but he does it for a cheap price (6.0). Korb's spot is a little more in question assuming the Red and Black's defense is fully healthy but if he does maintain his spot then he's a great bargain at 4.5. Townsend is in much the same spot as Korb. If he starts in the absence of other forward options for United then he could be a big bargain as a productive forward at 6.0. Townsend is probably more of a Week 2 or Week 3 pick-up if it looks like he's going to start regularly.</p>
<p><b><span>Corey Ashe</span>, D, <a href="https://www.dynamotheory.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Houston Dynamo</a></b> - Somehow he manages to be on this list consistently. I'm not sure if someone in the fantasy gaming world has something against (or for) Ashe but he continues to be a very affordable option despite being a regular starter on a consistently good team. At 5.0 I expect that most managers will have him.</p>
<p><b>Gyasi Zardes, F, <a href="https://www.lagconfidential.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">LA Galaxy</a> </b>- With <span>David Beckham</span> gone and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/fifa/players/110934/landon-donovan" class="sbn-auto-link">Landon Donovan</a> starting the season still on walkabout someone has to step in and spark the offense. <span>Robbie Keane</span> will lead the line and Juninho and <span>Marcelo Sarvas</span> will potentially see their roles increase but homegrown player Zardes has a chance to make an impact for a very low price (6.0).</p>
<p><b><span>Andrew Jacobson</span>, M, <a href="https://www.bigdsoccer.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">FC Dallas</a> </b>- There aren't many regular starters in midfield priced below 6 and Jacobson is one of them. He isn't likely to be a big scorer but he can be a steady point-producer for you while you use your money elsewhere.</p>
<p><b><span>Luis Silva</span>, M, <a href="https://www.wakingthered.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Toronto FC</a></b> - There hasn't been a lot to love in Toronto other than the early fan support but Silva was an impressive rookie last season and is poised to keep the momentum going. If he improves 15 to 20% on his fantasy production will look like a great bargain at 7.5.</p>
<p><b><span>Andy Dorman</span>, M, <a href="https://www.thebentmusket.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New England Revolution</a></b> - It's nice to see an old friend come back to the league. At his best in the mid-2000s he was a great player and fantasy player at the MLS level. After some time in Scotland and the English Championship he's back and if he can still produce in MLS then he's worth well more than his 7.0 price. The risks are that a) he's older and b) New England aren't nearly as good as they were when he was here last.</p>
<p><b><span>Marvin Iraheta</span>, M, Chivas USA</b> - If you can get any points out of a player who is priced at 4.0 it's a good thing. Iraheta is projected as a starter as one of two holding midfielders for the Goats so he's at least worth thinking about as a bench enabler.</p>
<p><b><span>Corben Bone</span>, M, <a href="https://www.hottimeinoldtown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Fire</a></b> - His price (4.5) is very reasonable and by all accounts he's ready to take a major step forward. The only problem here is that Chicago acquired a bunch of midfielders over the off-season and there has to be a concern that Bone won't find the field enough to justify even his low price.</p>
<p>We'll keep writing more as time to research allows...</p>
https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2013/2/19/4005668/mls-fantasy-season-preview-bargain-picks-part-1Neal Thurman2013-02-19T10:55:19-08:002013-02-19T10:55:19-08:00Fantasy MLS is back and we've got it covered
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<img alt="They're back to help us through the long, quiet summer in Fantasy EPL-land" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IVTC55kdxSAAXHY0FtHHqC06apA=/0x75:4000x2742/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/8373863/20130125_mjr_su5_015.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>They're back to help us through the long, quiet summer in Fantasy EPL-land | USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Every season as winter starts thinking about turning to spring, we have to face the notion that we will face yet another summer without our favorite frivolous time-wasting device - Fantasy EPL. Fortunately, the good folks at Major League Soccer are kind enough to offer us our fix. Like any good fix, it overlaps with our addiction on both sides so we don't have to go cold turkey, ever. With that, we kick off MLS fantasy season. </p> <p>Last season we created leagues in two games and that seems like a little much so this season we're consolidating any official posts on the MLSSoccer.com game. For those who play the PL.com in EPL, you will recognize the format instantly as it is, essentially, the same game transposed into the MLS setting.</p>
<ul>
<li>Transfers are limited but you can pay for additional ones. </li>
<li>Rosters are set at 15 players with a Starting XI and then a goalkeeper and three outfield players on the bench.</li>
<li>Players who don't play are automatically sent to the bench and replaced with alternatives in an order you determine. </li>
<li>You nominate a captain for double points. </li>
<li>The one slight difference is in the "bonus point" system. Rather than assigning points to the top 3 players per match using EA Sports Performance Rating System (as they do in the PL.com game), the MLS game assigns "Bonus Points" closer to the way the Yahoo EPL game does it. Here's the quick explanation:</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Attacking Bonus</b></p>
<ul>
<li>1 point for every 3 crosses (A cross is defined where the ball is played to their own player in the penalty area)</li>
<li>1 point for every 3 key passes (A key pass is one that leads to a shot at goal)</li>
<li>1 point for every big chance created (A big chance is one where the analyst determines the player should score)</li>
<li>-1 point for every big chance missed</li>
</ul>
<p><b>Defending Bonus</b></p>
<ul>
<li>1 point for every 6 clearances, blocks or interceptions</li>
<li>1 point for every 6 recovered balls</li>
<li>-1 point for every error leading to a goal</li>
</ul>
<p>We'll start with some preview content over the next few days but in the meantime, here's the process for playing in the Never Manage Alone league:</p>
<ol>
<li><a href="http://fantasy.mlssoccer.com" target="_blank">Create a team</a></li>
<li>Click "Join A League" </li>
<li>Click on "Private" </li>
<li>Type in the code for the EPL Methadone (@NMA_Blog) league which is 5633-1479</li>
</ol>
<div>For those who are already fans of MLS, we hope you play with us. For those who don't follow the league, here's a great way to learn a little bit about how your brethren in North America are doing when it comes to developing the game on our own soil (as opposed to watch it played elsewhere).</div>
https://www.nevermanagealone.com/2013/2/19/4005528/mls-fantasy-approaches-we-get-our-epl-methadone-treatment-readyNeal Thurman