The California Kids – START ‘EM vs. Utah Archers
They’re whirling dervishes. I don’t even know what a whirling dervish is, but that’s what they’re like.
Chris Kavanagh and Andrew McAdorey — the California Kids — are front-runners for Rookie of the Year and intricate parts of the Redwoods’ heartbeat. They’ve shown zero interest in easing into this league and have made swift work of their first two opponents.
Neither comes cheap. McAdorey sits at 40 coins — the most of any midfielder, and six more than the next closest. Kavanagh, an attackman, is 41 coins. But if you’re spending up, these are the guys to do it for.
McAdorey is a bullet out of the box, and Kavanagh’s a gamer with veteran levels of confidence — especially after the backhand goal last week that landed him No. 1 on SportsCenter’s Top 10.
He also rides like an absolute maniac. There’s a saying: “Ride like a Kavanagh” — and that kind of effort racks up fantasy points just like goals and assists.
Utah built its defense to stop the 2020 Whipsnakes — and for good reason. That offense featured some serious size and physicality in Matt Rambo and Zed Williams. Their power and downhill style gave defenses across the league headaches. So Utah countered with bulk: 6-foot-3, 225-pound Warren Jeffrey was their answer.
But here’s the thing — can a guy like Jeffrey keep up with the new wave of West Coast speed and skill? When he’s forced to cover in space against the shiftier, faster California Kids, that’s a mismatch. That’s not his game. He wants to bang, play physical and operate close to the crease. If he’s dragged out and asked to defend on an island, it’s a problem.
Also, don’t forget the third California Kid: Sam English. Top-three pick. First game active. Only eight coins. Could be a steal.
Joe Spallina’s got the Woods on the move, and the California Kids keep it rockin’. They keep it rockin’. START ‘EM.
Rob Pannell – SIT ‘EM vs. New York Atlas
Pannell just hasn’t found a rhythm with his new teammates on the Maryland Whipsnakes. Through two games, he’s posted just one goal, one assist and four turnovers — and if he’s been in your lineup, he’s basically been a grenade.
At 21 coins, he’s still priced like a dependable producer, but right now, he’s a liability. The Whips are off to an 0-2 start and face a tough Atlas squad this week — a team loaded with defensive talent and anchored by one of the best goalies in the league, Liam Entenmann.
It feels like the camera is always locked on Pannell. Maybe it’s the All-Pro résumé. Or maybe it’s the kind of jawline that makes PLL photographers “accidentally” focus in on him for a few extra seconds. But so far, it seems like everyone — including the broadcast crew — is just waiting for him to do something.
Pannell is an all-time great. His career résumé speaks for itself. But he’s on the back nine of his career, and nothing about the first two weeks says “start me.” He hasn’t gelled with his new squad yet, and against a well-rested Atlas defense, there are no signs that this is the breakout week.
He’s earned your respect — but he hasn’t earned a spot in your fantasy lineup right now. SIT ‘EM.
