Well, I got everything wrong last week. Gotham scored three goals at Utah (including a brace from Esther), Washington (without Ashley Hatch) was blanked by Portland, and Orlando returned to a 4-4-2 formation. So hopefully you didn’t listen to me, and had a great FNWSL Round 12!
Speaking of great Round 12s, Esther lauders FC racked up 132 points (the third-highest score overall in Round 12) to move into first place overall, and first in the Manser’s Answers mini-league! Congratulations!
Remember that Round 13 is the final FNWSL round before the summer international break, and NWSL league play will not return until Friday, August 1st. Good luck to all NWSL players representing their countries this summer! Personally, I wouldn’t go too overboard on the transfers this week, since it will be a LONG time before NWSL players return to their teams later this summer. A lot of things can happen between now and August (injuries, transfers, etc.), and I want to have as much information as I can before making significant changes to my roster.
We have an early deadline this week with two matches at 8e/7c/6m/5p: Kansas City hosting Angel City and Racing Louisville hosting Orlando.
Have we learned more about the Wave?
The Wave scored another three goals this week, and while San Diego is still only 9th in xG, they have now moved up to 2nd overall in GF. We’ve talked a couple of times this year about the unpredictability (at least from a fantasy perspective) of the Wave attack, but if this keeps up, FNWSL managers will need to take advantage of all these goals somehow.
There are reports that Maria Sanchez is currently in “advanced negotiations” to move back to Tigres in Liga MX Femenil. If this transfer does go through (stay tuned), it could help clarify the fantasy situation in San Diego a little bit. Delphine Cascarino has goal contributions in each of the last three games and is now fourth among FWs in FNWSL in overall points this season, so she’s definitely become a viable fantasy option. She is relatively expensive ($300k), but could be a good short- (or long-) term replacement for someone like Hatch, who missed a second consecutive game for Washington with a back injury.
Among the other Wave attackers, if you’re looking for a high-ceiling option, I’d go with Adriana Leon, who’s leading the team in goals and only costs $175k, but typically only gets 60-70 minutes per match (of course, this could change if Sanchez departs). If you’re looking for a high-floor option, consider Kenza Dali ($200k), who’s played every minute since mid-April and is now third in overall points among FNWSL MFs. Dali wasn’t called up for the Euros, so she should be fresh and ready come August.
Have the Stars found some momentum?
Maybe! If it wasn’t for conceding three goals in the 80th minute or later in their last two matches, Chicago would have two consecutive wins. As it is, the Stars have drawn 2-2 in both of the last two matches to end a three-match losing streak, even without Alyssa Naeher. Chicago is still struggling on defense, but the improvement in their attack means that players like Ludmila ($250k), Jameese Joseph ($100k), and Sam Staab ($225k) are back in fantasy consideration. Due to the Stars’ difficulties over the first half of the season, not many FNWSL managers have much Chicago representation on their teams, so there’s some excellent differential opportunity here.
What are your plans (FNWSL-related or otherwise) for Round 13 and the international break? Comment or Bluesky @MansersAnswers!