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While most of the US soccer media were focused on one of two things this afternoon (Robbie Rogers and the UEFA Champions League), the MLS Fantasy folks tweeted this out. I'm normally embargoed from commenting, but since MLS put this info out there:
Update from LA --> Juninho looks likely, Dunivant did not train (Cochrane should start), Stephens/Jimenez for Magee. Keane & Zardes up top.
— MLS Fantasy Manager (@MLSFantasy) May 25, 2013
First Todd Dunivant. He's had trouble staying fit this year, and yes he didn't train on Saturday. The injury he picked up in CONCACAF Champions League has lingered, and hopefully this isn't a sign that something more serious is going on. Also, hopefully Greg Cochrane has learned some lessons since Vancouver torched him two weeks ago.
Juninho looks good to go after going at at the ten minute mark against the New York Red Bulls. Some stability in the midfield is a good thing as the Galaxy lose Mike Magee to Chicago. Personal preference of Michael Stephens over Jimenez. Jimenez has been getting the starts lately, but Stephens is better in distribution even if he is equally defensively minded.
The rumor that Robbie Rogers could start Sunday if he gets his international transfer certificate seems a bit far fetched. I could see him in the eighteen man roster, however.
I've been calling for Gyasi Zardes to get the start for awhile now. I like the moves he makes in the opponents penalty area, and he has shown creativity on the ball in those offensive situations. He deserves time under Robbie Keane's tutelage, it's only a shame Keane will now leave for two rounds.
Seattle will be without Osvaldo Alonso and Steve Zakuani tonight. Alonso's midfield presence will be missed, and it could mean Shalrie Joseph going up against Juninho and Marcelo Sarvas in the central midfield. Seattle also has that midweek tilt for the US Open Cup, and with the Sounders' reputation in the tournament we could see some interesting lineup shifting.
Kickoff: 8:00 PDT
TV: ESPN2