Soccer: Jonathan Top
Much to like about Jonathan Top's MLS debut
April, 27, 2012
Apr 27
7:04
PM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
While Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Real Salt Lake carried a big downer with it as versatile Panamanian Carlos Rodriguez suffered a brutal dislocated left elbow and will now be out for the next two to four weeks, that tie also carried with it several positives. For one, Jackson made his 2012 debut for FCD the same day that he returned from his native Brazil, coming on as an injury replacement for Rodriguez.
But another great story out of that deadlock was the MLS debut of FCD homegrown forward Jonathan Top, who also came on in the 68th minute for Scott Sealy, who made his first start for Dallas up top in the wake of Basl Perez’s one-game suspension.
Top didn’t log a shot in his first 22 minutes with the first team, but those numbers can be deceiving according to FCD gaffer Schellas Hyndman. “I thought he did great. I thought he did really, really well. When I looked at the video and when I looked at the match analysis on Tango, his stats don’t look real good,” he said. “He gave a lot of balls away and that’s not an abnormal thing for forwards.”
Hyndman added: “It’s hard for them to keep the possession. They’re under a lot more pressure, a lot more time restraint and usually very limited space when you’re getting close to the opponent’s end. So it’s not unusual for them to be turning balls over but I really thought that he tried to do the right things. He was very active on both sides of the ball. He was making runs, getting open and then I thought he was the first man on defense. So I thought he did very well for his first time out.”
But another great story out of that deadlock was the MLS debut of FCD homegrown forward Jonathan Top, who also came on in the 68th minute for Scott Sealy, who made his first start for Dallas up top in the wake of Basl Perez’s one-game suspension.
Top didn’t log a shot in his first 22 minutes with the first team, but those numbers can be deceiving according to FCD gaffer Schellas Hyndman. “I thought he did great. I thought he did really, really well. When I looked at the video and when I looked at the match analysis on Tango, his stats don’t look real good,” he said. “He gave a lot of balls away and that’s not an abnormal thing for forwards.”
Hyndman added: “It’s hard for them to keep the possession. They’re under a lot more pressure, a lot more time restraint and usually very limited space when you’re getting close to the opponent’s end. So it’s not unusual for them to be turning balls over but I really thought that he tried to do the right things. He was very active on both sides of the ball. He was making runs, getting open and then I thought he was the first man on defense. So I thought he did very well for his first time out.”
Match photos: Real Salt Lake at FC Dallas
April, 26, 2012
Apr 26
9:39
AM CT
By Matthew Visinsky | ESPNDallas.com
Photos from the game between Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas.
Here's a direct link to the photos is you'er having trouble seeing them here.
FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman
General thoughts on the match…
I thought we really came out very slow. I thought that first 10, maybe 15 minutes, they had numerous opportunities in our attacking third to create shots and put the ball in the back of the net and we were able to survive. I thought after that we started picking it up, putting a lot of pressure on them, probably the latter 20 minutes of the first half, a lot of crosses, which is something we were talking about. We felt like with (Jamison) Olave out they would have a little trouble adjusting and we came close, but weren’t able to get the goal. We got a PK called. I didn’t see it, but the way the ball went off, I thought there might have been a hand ball.
The foul count was 12 to 5 in the first half and that was a real concern. It was very disruptive and a real concern. I think when Carlos (Rodriguez) went down with a dislocation of the elbow, it must have taken a lot out of the players. You don’t know what that does when a teammate is injured and everybody is looking at it, so I don’t think we had a very good second half, but we had an effort.
On the performance of Chris Seitz…
Chris is a solid keeper. As you know, a couple of years ago, he started for Philadelphia and I think it might have been the wrong place for him, an expansion team, giving up a lot of goals. I think, mentally, he was shot. We were able to pick him up and I think he finally has confidence. Last week when he went in, he wasn’t prepared. Kevin got hurt in the warm-ups, so (Seitz) really wasn’t nervous or scared, he just went in. So I was very interested to see how he would respond in this game, being able to sleep on it and prepare himself mentally and I think that he had a good game.
General thoughts on the match…
I think we came out with really good intensity. Towards the end of the first half we were really putting them under pressure. We created a lot of good chances. Defensively, we did well. We limited their chances and they’re a good team. They have been really successful on the road. The draw is a little disappointing for us, but as they say, on to the next one.
Did the early save you were forced to make give you confidence?
Yeah, anytime you get to touch the ball early in a game, you feel more comfortable. All ‘keepers want to get a feel for the ball early. Defensively, we held them to a decent amount of shots. We did pretty well.
Talk about your save on Saborio in the second half.
It was one of those where, you kind of hope he takes a big touch, but he didn’t take one big enough that I could come out and make a play. Brek made one heck of a run back to make his next move predictable for me and that gave me time to come out and close him down. But honestly it all started with Brek making that trek back following a free kick deep in our attacking third of the field.
You were attacking for a lot of the first half, what were you able to take advantage of in RSL’s defense?
They crowd the middle so much and play so much in the center that we were able to take advantage out on the flanks and get some good centering passes and crosses off.
Talk about your penalty kick goal
It’s good to get a goal. Doesn’t matter how you get it. I am glad that I was able to covert it and help the team.
Were you glad to get a point out of this match considering all the injuries?
We have some new players, injuries, suspensions… It was good to get a point. I thought we should have won, but it’s good to at least get a point.
How did it feel to make your debut?
It felt good to get those first minutes in against Salt Lake. We weren’t able to get the win, but everyone worked hard and now we have to focus on our match Saturday against L.A.
What does it mean to you to get playing time?
It means a lot. It means a lot for any of the younger guys to get playing time. Whenever one of us gets time, we are all happy for one another. We’ve worked hard for it and we are always pushing each other. We just need to be ready whenever that time comes.
What did Schellas say to you before you went in?
He said just to play with confidence and work hard – make it difficult for them to play out of the back. That’s what I tried to do.
Was the speed of the game faster than what you were used to?
It was a little faster, but we see that in training every day. I did need to adapt quickly to it but overall I felt fine out there.
Does having not won in Dallas get into guys’ heads?
I don’t know. That’s a better question for the players. I’m pleased with a point, but I wanted all three. That’s kind of where I am at. We’re pleased with a result. We’re pleased we didn’t lose our third game in a row. With a little bit more and a little bit better, we come out of here with all three.
On the penalty kick call…
I am again disappointed in another referee’s decision. I have not watched the replay yet. For me, there is just no way that can be called a penalty kick. Whether it hits the player’s arm or not, it just seems indifferent. The Dallas player has not even touched the ball so it’s not like they were making an attempt on our goal. Someone who reads the game or is involved with the game more, knows that is never a penalty kick.
What did you do at halftime?
Just a couple of small tactical adjustments. I asked the guys for a little bit more, for a little bit better. This is the second game in a row where we were in a tough spot. We gave up a goal right before halftime and that can be very mentally draining. We stuck together and played a much better second half. I am very pleased with both of our second half responses in our last two games so we’ll see if we can’t stretch that 45 minutes into 90.
Real Salt Lake defender Tony Beltran
On the penalty kick call
I’m going to have to see it again to really comment on it, but just from what I thought happened during the play, I cleared it off of somebody and it came back and barely grazed my elbow. I was pretty disappointed with the call at the time. There is really no chance for me to get out of the way of that ball. I have to check it out again and then I will be more able to comment on it.
Real Salt Lake forward Emiliano Bonfigli (through a translator)
On making a difference in the game right away…
You work hard to get as many minutes as you can and luckily today I was able to get a lot of minutes. I’m proud to be able to come in and score a goal to help the team out and get a point.
Real Salt Lake midfielder Will Johnson
On the goal by Emiliano Bonfigli…
I just turned, saw him making a run and just tried to put it in (Bonfigli’s) path. I think he did the hard part. I’m just happy that we got the goal back and we were able to get a good road point.
Everyone’s really happy for him. He’s been working really hard in training and in the reserve games. Obviously with the Espindola suspension tonight, it was probably more than likely that he was going to get an opportunity to come in. This game is all about taking your opportunity and he’s certainly done that tonight. It’s put him in a good spot for more extended playing time in the future.
On Real Salt Lake being winless in Dallas…
Every game’s different and for whatever reason we haven’t been able to get a win down here, but we’ve played well at times and we’ve had opportunities at times, but it just hasn’t quite happened for us yet. But, we’ll take a road point in Dallas any day. On the road, we just try to get to a point where we give ourselves an opportunity to win. We gave ourselves that opportunity tonight and we’re unlucky not to come out of here with the three points.
General thoughts on the match…
I thought we really came out very slow. I thought that first 10, maybe 15 minutes, they had numerous opportunities in our attacking third to create shots and put the ball in the back of the net and we were able to survive. I thought after that we started picking it up, putting a lot of pressure on them, probably the latter 20 minutes of the first half, a lot of crosses, which is something we were talking about. We felt like with (Jamison) Olave out they would have a little trouble adjusting and we came close, but weren’t able to get the goal. We got a PK called. I didn’t see it, but the way the ball went off, I thought there might have been a hand ball.
The foul count was 12 to 5 in the first half and that was a real concern. It was very disruptive and a real concern. I think when Carlos (Rodriguez) went down with a dislocation of the elbow, it must have taken a lot out of the players. You don’t know what that does when a teammate is injured and everybody is looking at it, so I don’t think we had a very good second half, but we had an effort.
On the performance of Chris Seitz…
Chris is a solid keeper. As you know, a couple of years ago, he started for Philadelphia and I think it might have been the wrong place for him, an expansion team, giving up a lot of goals. I think, mentally, he was shot. We were able to pick him up and I think he finally has confidence. Last week when he went in, he wasn’t prepared. Kevin got hurt in the warm-ups, so (Seitz) really wasn’t nervous or scared, he just went in. So I was very interested to see how he would respond in this game, being able to sleep on it and prepare himself mentally and I think that he had a good game.
FC Dallas goalkeeper Chris Seitz
General thoughts on the match…
I think we came out with really good intensity. Towards the end of the first half we were really putting them under pressure. We created a lot of good chances. Defensively, we did well. We limited their chances and they’re a good team. They have been really successful on the road. The draw is a little disappointing for us, but as they say, on to the next one.
Did the early save you were forced to make give you confidence?
Yeah, anytime you get to touch the ball early in a game, you feel more comfortable. All ‘keepers want to get a feel for the ball early. Defensively, we held them to a decent amount of shots. We did pretty well.
Talk about your save on Saborio in the second half.
It was one of those where, you kind of hope he takes a big touch, but he didn’t take one big enough that I could come out and make a play. Brek made one heck of a run back to make his next move predictable for me and that gave me time to come out and close him down. But honestly it all started with Brek making that trek back following a free kick deep in our attacking third of the field.
FC Dallas midfielder Brek Shea
You were attacking for a lot of the first half, what were you able to take advantage of in RSL’s defense?
They crowd the middle so much and play so much in the center that we were able to take advantage out on the flanks and get some good centering passes and crosses off.
Talk about your penalty kick goal
It’s good to get a goal. Doesn’t matter how you get it. I am glad that I was able to covert it and help the team.
Were you glad to get a point out of this match considering all the injuries?
We have some new players, injuries, suspensions… It was good to get a point. I thought we should have won, but it’s good to at least get a point.
FC Dallas forward Jonathan Top
How did it feel to make your debut?
It felt good to get those first minutes in against Salt Lake. We weren’t able to get the win, but everyone worked hard and now we have to focus on our match Saturday against L.A.
What does it mean to you to get playing time?
It means a lot. It means a lot for any of the younger guys to get playing time. Whenever one of us gets time, we are all happy for one another. We’ve worked hard for it and we are always pushing each other. We just need to be ready whenever that time comes.
What did Schellas say to you before you went in?
He said just to play with confidence and work hard – make it difficult for them to play out of the back. That’s what I tried to do.
Was the speed of the game faster than what you were used to?
It was a little faster, but we see that in training every day. I did need to adapt quickly to it but overall I felt fine out there.
Real Salt Lake head coach Jason Kreis
Does having not won in Dallas get into guys’ heads?
I don’t know. That’s a better question for the players. I’m pleased with a point, but I wanted all three. That’s kind of where I am at. We’re pleased with a result. We’re pleased we didn’t lose our third game in a row. With a little bit more and a little bit better, we come out of here with all three.
On the penalty kick call…
I am again disappointed in another referee’s decision. I have not watched the replay yet. For me, there is just no way that can be called a penalty kick. Whether it hits the player’s arm or not, it just seems indifferent. The Dallas player has not even touched the ball so it’s not like they were making an attempt on our goal. Someone who reads the game or is involved with the game more, knows that is never a penalty kick.
What did you do at halftime?
Just a couple of small tactical adjustments. I asked the guys for a little bit more, for a little bit better. This is the second game in a row where we were in a tough spot. We gave up a goal right before halftime and that can be very mentally draining. We stuck together and played a much better second half. I am very pleased with both of our second half responses in our last two games so we’ll see if we can’t stretch that 45 minutes into 90.
Real Salt Lake defender Tony Beltran
On the penalty kick call
I’m going to have to see it again to really comment on it, but just from what I thought happened during the play, I cleared it off of somebody and it came back and barely grazed my elbow. I was pretty disappointed with the call at the time. There is really no chance for me to get out of the way of that ball. I have to check it out again and then I will be more able to comment on it.
Real Salt Lake forward Emiliano Bonfigli (through a translator)
On making a difference in the game right away…
You work hard to get as many minutes as you can and luckily today I was able to get a lot of minutes. I’m proud to be able to come in and score a goal to help the team out and get a point.
Real Salt Lake midfielder Will Johnson
On the goal by Emiliano Bonfigli…
I just turned, saw him making a run and just tried to put it in (Bonfigli’s) path. I think he did the hard part. I’m just happy that we got the goal back and we were able to get a good road point.
Everyone’s really happy for him. He’s been working really hard in training and in the reserve games. Obviously with the Espindola suspension tonight, it was probably more than likely that he was going to get an opportunity to come in. This game is all about taking your opportunity and he’s certainly done that tonight. It’s put him in a good spot for more extended playing time in the future.
On Real Salt Lake being winless in Dallas…
Every game’s different and for whatever reason we haven’t been able to get a win down here, but we’ve played well at times and we’ve had opportunities at times, but it just hasn’t quite happened for us yet. But, we’ll take a road point in Dallas any day. On the road, we just try to get to a point where we give ourselves an opportunity to win. We gave ourselves that opportunity tonight and we’re unlucky not to come out of here with the three points.
Who will start in Perez's place up top tonight?
April, 25, 2012
Apr 25
1:38
PM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
With FC Dallas forward Blas Perez out for tonight’s game with Real Salt Lake due to a one-game suspension he received for an elbow thrown in the first half of Saturday’s 1-0 loss at Vancouver, the big question is who will head coach Schellas Hyndman decide to start in his place?
Here are several possibilities:
Fabian Castillo
One scenario that could play out sees Castillo moving from a flank midfield role to forward. Of course, were Hyndman to employ this scenario, it would require other moves. If Castillo were to move up, then it looks like Carlos Rodriguez could fill in at left mid. With Jair Benitez now over left knee tendonitis and available for selection, it’s likely he returns to the first 11 at left back tonight, especially since Hyndman was concerned about the lack of getting forward when he had Rodriguez and Pertuz, two guys not considered attacking players, manning the left side, meaning FCD was basically attacking from only the right and middle.
Likelihood: Very Possible
Ruben Luna
Some are clamoring to see homegrown striker Ruben Luna get a start, but it was just last week that Hyndman said he wanted to see the guy who led the Reserve League with 10 goals in 2011 deliver better results in reserve games. He has played better lately, but is it enough? Here is what the gaffer had to say about Luna last week:
“Ruben’s a player that has kind of been off and on. I think he’s a player that came in and got an injury in preseason. Because we’ve been working so hard, he’s been trying to catch up. I think for him to get on the field and be of help to us, he’s got to be a little bit more productive in reserve games. So we’ve been watching him very closely. All players, especially young players, have peaks and dips. Right now I think he’s working his way back up to develop self-confidence.”
Likelihood: Remote
Scott Sealy
Besides the Castillo scenario, seeing Scott Sealy make his first start for FCD appears to be the most likely of choices for Hyndman. The Dallas gaffer loves the experience and savvy that the striker from Trinidad and Tobago brings up top and now that Sealy is healthy, how better to get an accurate read of how he can contribute to this thing than in a game where Perez is unavailable?
Hyndman had the following to say about Sealy, who made his FCD debut as a second-half sub against Vancouver, earlier in the week:
“It’s good to see him there. He brings a lot of experience in the league and he’s awfully fit. He works extremely hard. He’s a player that can deal with the physical play from the league and I thought he did fine.”
Likelihood: Very Possible
Brek Shea
Others think one possibility is moving Brek Shea from his customary flank midfielder role to forward. But anyone who knows Hyndman at all and how he thinks realizes this scenario might result in too many moving parts when it comes to making out the first 11, something the FCD gaffer isn’t a big fan of. Had Jackson already arrived in Frisco and were the versatile Brazilian available for tonight’s game, then this could be more of a realistic possibility. But were Shea to move up, Hyndman could very well go with Rodriguez and Castillo as his flank midfielders, but think the gaffer’s pretty happy with where he’s had Shea for the last few seasons and it’s unlikely he’d move him even if it were for one game.
Likelihood: Remote
Jonathan Top
If there is a wildcard in all this talk about who will fill in for Super Raton, it could be Jonathan Top. He has been tearing it up in the reserve league so far this year and was on Hyndman’s 18-man gameday roster for the Vancouver game, but is he ready to start with the first team? Some might be quick to say that the Dallas gaffer has never been one to throw young players in there to see what they had, but that argument is quickly diffused when mentioning the time Bryan Leyva saw with the first team earlier this season. Top would be an intriguing possibility and while it wouldn’t be a shock to see Hyndman start him, the more likely scenario sees him on the bench for the Salt Lake game, possibly as Hyndman’s primary option should he need to see something different up top in the second half.
Likelihood: Moderate yet Intriguing
Here are several possibilities:
Fabian Castillo
One scenario that could play out sees Castillo moving from a flank midfield role to forward. Of course, were Hyndman to employ this scenario, it would require other moves. If Castillo were to move up, then it looks like Carlos Rodriguez could fill in at left mid. With Jair Benitez now over left knee tendonitis and available for selection, it’s likely he returns to the first 11 at left back tonight, especially since Hyndman was concerned about the lack of getting forward when he had Rodriguez and Pertuz, two guys not considered attacking players, manning the left side, meaning FCD was basically attacking from only the right and middle.
Likelihood: Very Possible
Ruben Luna
Some are clamoring to see homegrown striker Ruben Luna get a start, but it was just last week that Hyndman said he wanted to see the guy who led the Reserve League with 10 goals in 2011 deliver better results in reserve games. He has played better lately, but is it enough? Here is what the gaffer had to say about Luna last week:
“Ruben’s a player that has kind of been off and on. I think he’s a player that came in and got an injury in preseason. Because we’ve been working so hard, he’s been trying to catch up. I think for him to get on the field and be of help to us, he’s got to be a little bit more productive in reserve games. So we’ve been watching him very closely. All players, especially young players, have peaks and dips. Right now I think he’s working his way back up to develop self-confidence.”
Likelihood: Remote
Scott Sealy
Besides the Castillo scenario, seeing Scott Sealy make his first start for FCD appears to be the most likely of choices for Hyndman. The Dallas gaffer loves the experience and savvy that the striker from Trinidad and Tobago brings up top and now that Sealy is healthy, how better to get an accurate read of how he can contribute to this thing than in a game where Perez is unavailable?
Hyndman had the following to say about Sealy, who made his FCD debut as a second-half sub against Vancouver, earlier in the week:
“It’s good to see him there. He brings a lot of experience in the league and he’s awfully fit. He works extremely hard. He’s a player that can deal with the physical play from the league and I thought he did fine.”
Likelihood: Very Possible
Brek Shea
Others think one possibility is moving Brek Shea from his customary flank midfielder role to forward. But anyone who knows Hyndman at all and how he thinks realizes this scenario might result in too many moving parts when it comes to making out the first 11, something the FCD gaffer isn’t a big fan of. Had Jackson already arrived in Frisco and were the versatile Brazilian available for tonight’s game, then this could be more of a realistic possibility. But were Shea to move up, Hyndman could very well go with Rodriguez and Castillo as his flank midfielders, but think the gaffer’s pretty happy with where he’s had Shea for the last few seasons and it’s unlikely he’d move him even if it were for one game.
Likelihood: Remote
Jonathan Top
If there is a wildcard in all this talk about who will fill in for Super Raton, it could be Jonathan Top. He has been tearing it up in the reserve league so far this year and was on Hyndman’s 18-man gameday roster for the Vancouver game, but is he ready to start with the first team? Some might be quick to say that the Dallas gaffer has never been one to throw young players in there to see what they had, but that argument is quickly diffused when mentioning the time Bryan Leyva saw with the first team earlier this season. Top would be an intriguing possibility and while it wouldn’t be a shock to see Hyndman start him, the more likely scenario sees him on the bench for the Salt Lake game, possibly as Hyndman’s primary option should he need to see something different up top in the second half.
Likelihood: Moderate yet Intriguing
Marco Ferruzzi likes what he sees from FCD Reserves thus far
April, 19, 2012
Apr 19
5:43
PM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
In his more than eight years as an assistant coach for FC Dallas Marco Ferruzzi has held various responsibilities under four different head coaches. The San Antonio native even had a short stint as FCD’s interim head coach before current coach Schellas Hyndman was hired in June 2008.
But this season, Ferruzzi has added another responsibility as the new coach of the Dallas reserves. And through their first four games, the FCD reserves are 3-1-0 with nine points, tying them with Houston for the top spot in the Central/Mountain Division of the MLS Reserve League.
Bryan Levya and Jonathan Top each have two goals thus far for the reserves while FCD academy player Michael Ambrose, who is heading to the University of Maryland, currently leads the club with two assists.
In short, the man coaching this group couldn’t be happier.
“Well, it’s been good. The approach from the group has been very positive and committed. I think the one thing we started off with in speaking to the group is that this is an opportunity for you guys to get prepared to play first-team minutes but you have handle these games as important as the first-team games in terms of wanting to play well in terms of wanting to win those games because the results are important,” Ferruzzi said.
And the longtime FCD assistant feels that making sure his players have that same mentality is one of his biggest responsibilities with this young group.
“It’s all the same mentality that you have playing in the first team. If you sit there and you take it as an exercise or you take it as an individual and you separate it from the bigger picture, you’re not going to get the most out of it. So, they’ve taken it the right way,” Ferruzzi said.
So far, the only blemish on the FCD reserves this season is a loss to Houston, who they currently share the division lead with.
“They’ve gotten good results. I think they matched up against Houston, which on paper a good team, and they ended up getting a good result against us but I think we competed against them. It’s given those boys a chance every single week to be in Schellas’ 18 and some of them have already been in the 11,” Ferruzzi said.
Of course, this isn’t the first incarnation of the MLS Reserve League. But this Frisco fixture admits it’s nice to not have to basically pull guest players off the street as was often the case in the earlier incarnation of this league.
“It’s been enjoyable. From the first couple go arounds where we were scrapping for players because of injuries, schedule congestion and the timing of everything, I like the fact that we’re bringing in academy guys. Everybody that’s coming in is an FC Dallas part of the organization and I think it’s benefitting them,” Ferruzzi said. “They’re going to go away to school. They’re going to be that much more confident, that much more able and with that whole idea of being connected to us and coming back. There’s that whole continuity with us, which I like. So I think it’s got a lot of legs.”
But this season, Ferruzzi has added another responsibility as the new coach of the Dallas reserves. And through their first four games, the FCD reserves are 3-1-0 with nine points, tying them with Houston for the top spot in the Central/Mountain Division of the MLS Reserve League.
Bryan Levya and Jonathan Top each have two goals thus far for the reserves while FCD academy player Michael Ambrose, who is heading to the University of Maryland, currently leads the club with two assists.
In short, the man coaching this group couldn’t be happier.
“Well, it’s been good. The approach from the group has been very positive and committed. I think the one thing we started off with in speaking to the group is that this is an opportunity for you guys to get prepared to play first-team minutes but you have handle these games as important as the first-team games in terms of wanting to play well in terms of wanting to win those games because the results are important,” Ferruzzi said.
And the longtime FCD assistant feels that making sure his players have that same mentality is one of his biggest responsibilities with this young group.
“It’s all the same mentality that you have playing in the first team. If you sit there and you take it as an exercise or you take it as an individual and you separate it from the bigger picture, you’re not going to get the most out of it. So, they’ve taken it the right way,” Ferruzzi said.
So far, the only blemish on the FCD reserves this season is a loss to Houston, who they currently share the division lead with.
“They’ve gotten good results. I think they matched up against Houston, which on paper a good team, and they ended up getting a good result against us but I think we competed against them. It’s given those boys a chance every single week to be in Schellas’ 18 and some of them have already been in the 11,” Ferruzzi said.
Of course, this isn’t the first incarnation of the MLS Reserve League. But this Frisco fixture admits it’s nice to not have to basically pull guest players off the street as was often the case in the earlier incarnation of this league.
“It’s been enjoyable. From the first couple go arounds where we were scrapping for players because of injuries, schedule congestion and the timing of everything, I like the fact that we’re bringing in academy guys. Everybody that’s coming in is an FC Dallas part of the organization and I think it’s benefitting them,” Ferruzzi said. “They’re going to go away to school. They’re going to be that much more confident, that much more able and with that whole idea of being connected to us and coming back. There’s that whole continuity with us, which I like. So I think it’s got a lot of legs.”
The FC Dallas Reserves left Sandy’s America First Field wet and cold, but with three points in tow courtesy of a comprehensive 3-0 victory over their Real Salt Lake Reserves counterparts on Tuesday. With the win, the FC Dallas Reserves move to 3-1-0, their nine points good for a share of the Central/Mountain Division lead alongside the Houston Dynamo, while the RSL Reserves’ third straight defeat dropped the Utah side to a disappointing 0-4-1 halfway through their 2012 MLS Reserve League calendar.
Rainy conditions in the first half made for some slippery footing, hearty challenges and tense moments, culminating with a 34th minute altercation that followed Dallas forward Ruben Luna’s sliding challenge into RSL goalkeeper Kyle Reynish, which resulted in a yellow card shown to the Dallas attacker. Luna would help move the scoreboard shortly thereafter in the 41st minute, his lobbed ball across the six finding midfielder Jonathan Top, who slammed a side-volley past Reynish and inside the bottom left corner to put the visitors up 1-0.
The FC Dallas Reserves doubled the advantage shortly after halftime off a penalty kick opportunity, created in the 49th minute when RSL defender Chris Schuler clipped Luna inside the box. Midfielder Bruno Guarda would earn a caution for dissent shortly after the foul, but he was composed enough to bury the spot kick low and inside the right post seconds later to put Dallas up 2-0. Five minutes later the visitors tacked on a third, as defender Mike Ambrose swung a ball in from the left wing to on-rushing striker Scott Sealy, who placed his re-directed header off the right post and in.
Tensions once again rose to the forefront in the 80th minute, when RSL Reserves forward Paulo Junior was shown a red card for a reckless challenge in the center circle against Top, followed shortly thereafter by Guarda’s ejection for making contact with the referee in the ensuing scrum. The Claret-and-Cobalt’s best chances of the day came in the 88th minute from midfielder Jordan Allen, but the RSL-Arizona Academy product saw both of his shots from within 10 yards blocked by a scrambling Richard Sanchez, who entered the match at goalkeeper at the halftime break and combined with starter Chris Seitz for the shutout.
The FC Dallas Reserves will resume play with a road challenge against Sporting Kansas City Reserves (1-1-1) at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park on Tuesday, May 1 (7:30 p.m. CT).
MLS Reserve League Box Score
Real Salt Lake Reserves 0 : 3 FC Dallas Reserves
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
America First Field – Sandy, UT
Scoring Summary:
FCD – Jonathan Top (Ruben Luna) 41
FCD – Bruno Guarda (penalty kick) 49
FCD – Scott Sealy (Mike Ambrose) 54
Disciplinary Summary:
FCD – Ruben Luna (caution, Reckless Tackle) 34
FCD – Bruno Guarda (caution, Dissent) 49
FCD – Bruno Guarda (ejection, Unsporting Behavior) 80
RSL – Paulo Jr. (ejection, Reckless Foul) 80
Real Salt Lake Reserves (4-4-2): Kyle Reynish (c) (Lalo Fernandez 67); Terukazu Tanaka, Leone Cruz, Chris Schuler, Chris Estridge (Carlos Salcedo** 75); Yordany Alvarez, Enzo Martinez (Jordan Allen** 60), Jonny Steele, Sebastian Velasquez; Paulo Junior, Emiliano Bonfigli
Substitutes Not Used: Taylor Bowlin*, Luis Gil
FC Dallas Reserves (4-4-2): Chris Seitz (c) (Richard Sanchez 45); Alex Lee, Matt Hedges (Aaron Guillen** 88), Mark Barone*, Moises Hernandez; Jonathan Top (Flavio Guzman** 81), Bruno Guarda, Victor Ulloa, Michael Ambrose; Scott Sealy (David Robledo** 60), Ruben Luna
Substitutes Not Used: Bryan Leyva
*Guest player
**RSL-Arizona/FC Dallas Academy player
Referee: Alex Krelo
Referee Assistants: Hamed Sadeghi, Alan Jimenez
4th Official: Brad Jensen
Rainy conditions in the first half made for some slippery footing, hearty challenges and tense moments, culminating with a 34th minute altercation that followed Dallas forward Ruben Luna’s sliding challenge into RSL goalkeeper Kyle Reynish, which resulted in a yellow card shown to the Dallas attacker. Luna would help move the scoreboard shortly thereafter in the 41st minute, his lobbed ball across the six finding midfielder Jonathan Top, who slammed a side-volley past Reynish and inside the bottom left corner to put the visitors up 1-0.
The FC Dallas Reserves doubled the advantage shortly after halftime off a penalty kick opportunity, created in the 49th minute when RSL defender Chris Schuler clipped Luna inside the box. Midfielder Bruno Guarda would earn a caution for dissent shortly after the foul, but he was composed enough to bury the spot kick low and inside the right post seconds later to put Dallas up 2-0. Five minutes later the visitors tacked on a third, as defender Mike Ambrose swung a ball in from the left wing to on-rushing striker Scott Sealy, who placed his re-directed header off the right post and in.
Tensions once again rose to the forefront in the 80th minute, when RSL Reserves forward Paulo Junior was shown a red card for a reckless challenge in the center circle against Top, followed shortly thereafter by Guarda’s ejection for making contact with the referee in the ensuing scrum. The Claret-and-Cobalt’s best chances of the day came in the 88th minute from midfielder Jordan Allen, but the RSL-Arizona Academy product saw both of his shots from within 10 yards blocked by a scrambling Richard Sanchez, who entered the match at goalkeeper at the halftime break and combined with starter Chris Seitz for the shutout.
The FC Dallas Reserves will resume play with a road challenge against Sporting Kansas City Reserves (1-1-1) at LIVESTRONG Sporting Park on Tuesday, May 1 (7:30 p.m. CT).
MLS Reserve League Box Score
Real Salt Lake Reserves 0 : 3 FC Dallas Reserves
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
America First Field – Sandy, UT
Scoring Summary:
FCD – Jonathan Top (Ruben Luna) 41
FCD – Bruno Guarda (penalty kick) 49
FCD – Scott Sealy (Mike Ambrose) 54
Disciplinary Summary:
FCD – Ruben Luna (caution, Reckless Tackle) 34
FCD – Bruno Guarda (caution, Dissent) 49
FCD – Bruno Guarda (ejection, Unsporting Behavior) 80
RSL – Paulo Jr. (ejection, Reckless Foul) 80
Real Salt Lake Reserves (4-4-2): Kyle Reynish (c) (Lalo Fernandez 67); Terukazu Tanaka, Leone Cruz, Chris Schuler, Chris Estridge (Carlos Salcedo** 75); Yordany Alvarez, Enzo Martinez (Jordan Allen** 60), Jonny Steele, Sebastian Velasquez; Paulo Junior, Emiliano Bonfigli
Substitutes Not Used: Taylor Bowlin*, Luis Gil
FC Dallas Reserves (4-4-2): Chris Seitz (c) (Richard Sanchez 45); Alex Lee, Matt Hedges (Aaron Guillen** 88), Mark Barone*, Moises Hernandez; Jonathan Top (Flavio Guzman** 81), Bruno Guarda, Victor Ulloa, Michael Ambrose; Scott Sealy (David Robledo** 60), Ruben Luna
Substitutes Not Used: Bryan Leyva
*Guest player
**RSL-Arizona/FC Dallas Academy player
Referee: Alex Krelo
Referee Assistants: Hamed Sadeghi, Alan Jimenez
4th Official: Brad Jensen
U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team head coach Tab Ramos has called in three FC Dallas Academy products for a training camp from April 9 to April 16 in Portland, Ore. Defender Boyd Okwuonu and forwards Jonathan Top (current FCD home grown player) and Daniel Garcia will train for a week, playing against the University of Portland and one other team during that span.
The U.S. will face the Pilots at 7 p.m. PT on Thursday, April 12, at Merlo Field. The second game of the camp will take place on Sunday, April 15, against an opponent still to be determined.
Also of Texas interest is Mikey Lopez from Mission, Texas, who plays for North Carolina.
U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team Training Camp Roster By Position:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Tomas Gomez (Georgetown; Webster Groves, Mo.), Jake McGuire (Chivas USA Academy; Pomona, Calif.)
DEFENDERS (9): Christian Dean (California; East Palo Alto, Calif.), Bryan Gallego (Akron; Kinnelon, N.J.), Jordan McCrary (North Carolina; Marietta, Ga.), Eric Miller (Creighton; Woodbury, Minn.), Juan Pablo Ocegueda (UANL Tigres; Riverside, Calif.), Boyd Okwuonu (North Carolina; Edmund, Okla.), William Packwood (Birmingham City; Concord, Mass.), Jeffrey Payeras (LA Galaxy Academy; Hawthorne, Calif.), Derek Vogel (Pateadores; Long Beach, Calif.)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Seth Casiple (California; Rocklin, Calif.), Luis Gil (Real Salt Lake; Garden Grove, Calif.), Benji Joya (Santos Laguna; San Jose, Calif.), Mikey Lopez (North Carolina; Mission, Texas), Collin Martin (D.C. United Academy; Chevy Chase, Md.), Victor Pineda (Chicago Fire; Bolingbrook, Ill.), Wil Trapp (Akron; Gahanna, Ohio)
FORWARDS (6): Daniel Cuevas (Santos Laguna; Sacramento, Calif.), Ethan Decker (New York Red Bulls Academy; Manahawkin, N.J.), Daniel Garcia (FC Dallas Academy; Dallas, Texas), Jack McBean (LA Galaxy; Newport Beach, Calif.), James Rogers (New Mexico, Salt Lake City, Utah), Jonathan Top (FC Dallas; Fort Worth, Texas).
The U.S. will face the Pilots at 7 p.m. PT on Thursday, April 12, at Merlo Field. The second game of the camp will take place on Sunday, April 15, against an opponent still to be determined.
Also of Texas interest is Mikey Lopez from Mission, Texas, who plays for North Carolina.
U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team Training Camp Roster By Position:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Tomas Gomez (Georgetown; Webster Groves, Mo.), Jake McGuire (Chivas USA Academy; Pomona, Calif.)
DEFENDERS (9): Christian Dean (California; East Palo Alto, Calif.), Bryan Gallego (Akron; Kinnelon, N.J.), Jordan McCrary (North Carolina; Marietta, Ga.), Eric Miller (Creighton; Woodbury, Minn.), Juan Pablo Ocegueda (UANL Tigres; Riverside, Calif.), Boyd Okwuonu (North Carolina; Edmund, Okla.), William Packwood (Birmingham City; Concord, Mass.), Jeffrey Payeras (LA Galaxy Academy; Hawthorne, Calif.), Derek Vogel (Pateadores; Long Beach, Calif.)
MIDFIELDERS (7): Seth Casiple (California; Rocklin, Calif.), Luis Gil (Real Salt Lake; Garden Grove, Calif.), Benji Joya (Santos Laguna; San Jose, Calif.), Mikey Lopez (North Carolina; Mission, Texas), Collin Martin (D.C. United Academy; Chevy Chase, Md.), Victor Pineda (Chicago Fire; Bolingbrook, Ill.), Wil Trapp (Akron; Gahanna, Ohio)
FORWARDS (6): Daniel Cuevas (Santos Laguna; Sacramento, Calif.), Ethan Decker (New York Red Bulls Academy; Manahawkin, N.J.), Daniel Garcia (FC Dallas Academy; Dallas, Texas), Jack McBean (LA Galaxy; Newport Beach, Calif.), James Rogers (New Mexico, Salt Lake City, Utah), Jonathan Top (FC Dallas; Fort Worth, Texas).
FC Dallas Reserves got a boost from newly signed striker Luis Perea. The 25-year-old Colombian netted a goal and an assist in just one half of play as FC Dallas Reserves defeated Real Salt Lake Reserves 3-1 at FC Dallas Stadium Tuesday night.
A tale of two halves, Real Salt Lake Reserves controlled possession early on and took a 1-0 lead in just the ninth minute. Cody Arnoux set up the goal when he split FC Dallas’ center backs with a well-placed through ball. Emiliano Bonfigli timed his run perfectly, beating goalkeeper Chris Seitz to the ball and knocking a low shot into the far corner of the net for the goal.
Perea came on for Ruben Luna at halftime, but it was another strong combination from FC Dallas’ stable of Homegrown players that brought the match level in the 60th minute. The play began with a nice cross from Top from the right flank to Leyva on the left side. Leyva brought down the cross and faked a shot in the same motion before knocking a hard shot, low into the back of the net.
FC Dallas Academy product Mike Ambrose came on for Alex Lee in the 83rd minute. Less than a minute later, Ambrose made his mark on the match. The attacking-minded right back got the ball on the flank and chipped a dangerous ball into the area. Perea put himself in a good position to make a play on the ball and capitalized with a one-timer to the near post to make the score 2-1 in the 84th minute.
FC Dallas closed out the scoring in the 87th minute on a goal by Top. The play was set up by Perea, who controlled the ball in a crowd near midfield before sending a long ball in on the ground for Top. The 19-year-old forward collected the ball in space at the top right corner of the area before hitting a hard shot, low to the back post. The shot just caught the side netting inside the post to give FC Dallas Reserves the 3-1 victory.
Scoring Summary:
RSL – Emiliano Bonfigli (Cody Arnoux) 9
DAL – Bryan Leyva (Jonathan Top) 60
DAL – Luis Perea (Mike Ambrose) 84
DAL – Jonathan Top (Perea) 87
Disciplinary Summary:
NONE
FC Dallas Reserves – Chris Seitz, Alex Lee (*Mike Ambrose 83), George John, Matt Hedges, Moises Hernandez, Bobby Warshaw, Victor Ulloa (Bruno Guarda 55), Bryan Leyva, Andrew Wiedeman (*Danny Garcia 90), Jonathan Top, Ruben Luna (Luis Perea 45).
Subs not used: *Eduardo Cortez, *Mark Ashby, *Kellyn Acosta.
Real Salt Lake Reserves – Kyle Reynish, Nat Borchers (**Carlos Salcedo), Leone Cruz, Terukazu Tanaka, Diogo de Almeida, Yordany Alvarez, Enzo Martinez (**Jordan Allen 66), Jonny Steele, Nico Muniz (^Lucas Acosta 45), Cody Arnoux, Emiliano Bonfigli.
Subs not used: Lalo Fernandez, **Eti Tavares.
*FC Dallas Academy player
^Guest trialist
**RSL-Arizona Academy player
A tale of two halves, Real Salt Lake Reserves controlled possession early on and took a 1-0 lead in just the ninth minute. Cody Arnoux set up the goal when he split FC Dallas’ center backs with a well-placed through ball. Emiliano Bonfigli timed his run perfectly, beating goalkeeper Chris Seitz to the ball and knocking a low shot into the far corner of the net for the goal.
Perea came on for Ruben Luna at halftime, but it was another strong combination from FC Dallas’ stable of Homegrown players that brought the match level in the 60th minute. The play began with a nice cross from Top from the right flank to Leyva on the left side. Leyva brought down the cross and faked a shot in the same motion before knocking a hard shot, low into the back of the net.
FC Dallas Academy product Mike Ambrose came on for Alex Lee in the 83rd minute. Less than a minute later, Ambrose made his mark on the match. The attacking-minded right back got the ball on the flank and chipped a dangerous ball into the area. Perea put himself in a good position to make a play on the ball and capitalized with a one-timer to the near post to make the score 2-1 in the 84th minute.
FC Dallas closed out the scoring in the 87th minute on a goal by Top. The play was set up by Perea, who controlled the ball in a crowd near midfield before sending a long ball in on the ground for Top. The 19-year-old forward collected the ball in space at the top right corner of the area before hitting a hard shot, low to the back post. The shot just caught the side netting inside the post to give FC Dallas Reserves the 3-1 victory.
Scoring Summary:
RSL – Emiliano Bonfigli (Cody Arnoux) 9
DAL – Bryan Leyva (Jonathan Top) 60
DAL – Luis Perea (Mike Ambrose) 84
DAL – Jonathan Top (Perea) 87
Disciplinary Summary:
NONE
FC Dallas Reserves – Chris Seitz, Alex Lee (*Mike Ambrose 83), George John, Matt Hedges, Moises Hernandez, Bobby Warshaw, Victor Ulloa (Bruno Guarda 55), Bryan Leyva, Andrew Wiedeman (*Danny Garcia 90), Jonathan Top, Ruben Luna (Luis Perea 45).
Subs not used: *Eduardo Cortez, *Mark Ashby, *Kellyn Acosta.
Real Salt Lake Reserves – Kyle Reynish, Nat Borchers (**Carlos Salcedo), Leone Cruz, Terukazu Tanaka, Diogo de Almeida, Yordany Alvarez, Enzo Martinez (**Jordan Allen 66), Jonny Steele, Nico Muniz (^Lucas Acosta 45), Cody Arnoux, Emiliano Bonfigli.
Subs not used: Lalo Fernandez, **Eti Tavares.
*FC Dallas Academy player
^Guest trialist
**RSL-Arizona Academy player
Schellas Hyndman weighs in on homegrown players
March, 10, 2012
Mar 10
2:23
AM CT
By Todd Date | ESPNDallas.com
FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman weighed in on five of the club’s six homegrown players after practice on Friday and here’s what he had to say.
D Moises Hernandez
“I think Moises has made some big strides from a year ago and I think he’s getting better and better. He’s a real hard, he’s a very aggressive, great left-foot defender. The thing we’re trying to do is just get him into just thinking things through a little bit quicker. Not every tackle has to be a ball-winning tackle. Not every confrontation has to be a confrontation. Just figure things out. Put himself more into a controlled environment and I think he can develop into a pretty good player.”
M Bryan Leyva
“I think for me, he seems to be really enjoying training. This was an area I don’t think he was enjoying a lot and it might have been because we were putting such high demands on him and he wasn’t prepared to meet them. Right now I think he’s enjoying training. I think he looks forward to it. I think he works awfully hard at it. He’s still got to do a little bit better job taking care of himself but the thing is he gets it, so he’s working on it.”
F Ruben Luna
“That [his injury during preseason] really pulled him back. I think he was just trying to wait until he was completely healthy. Well, before you know it preseason’s over and you’re forgotten. So he’s brought himself back. Within the last week or so, he’s really worked hard.”
GK Richard Sanchez
“Yeah, he’s playing his best. He’s very confident. Every time we see him, we like him more and more. He just turned 18 and that’s a very young age to be thrown into MLS soccer but I think he’s going to have a good future with us.”
F Jonathan Top
“I see great improvements, wonderful improvements, wonderful young man, really an active player, good finishing. Just still a little naďve and a little young... really transformed his body, I think he must have lost like 20 pounds. I think his body fat was 17 percent. Now it’s like eight. So he’s really taken care of himself and working hard. We’re happy he’s playing with the academy and helping the academy find the success they’re used to.”
D Moises Hernandez
“I think Moises has made some big strides from a year ago and I think he’s getting better and better. He’s a real hard, he’s a very aggressive, great left-foot defender. The thing we’re trying to do is just get him into just thinking things through a little bit quicker. Not every tackle has to be a ball-winning tackle. Not every confrontation has to be a confrontation. Just figure things out. Put himself more into a controlled environment and I think he can develop into a pretty good player.”
M Bryan Leyva
“I think for me, he seems to be really enjoying training. This was an area I don’t think he was enjoying a lot and it might have been because we were putting such high demands on him and he wasn’t prepared to meet them. Right now I think he’s enjoying training. I think he looks forward to it. I think he works awfully hard at it. He’s still got to do a little bit better job taking care of himself but the thing is he gets it, so he’s working on it.”
F Ruben Luna
“That [his injury during preseason] really pulled him back. I think he was just trying to wait until he was completely healthy. Well, before you know it preseason’s over and you’re forgotten. So he’s brought himself back. Within the last week or so, he’s really worked hard.”
GK Richard Sanchez
“Yeah, he’s playing his best. He’s very confident. Every time we see him, we like him more and more. He just turned 18 and that’s a very young age to be thrown into MLS soccer but I think he’s going to have a good future with us.”
F Jonathan Top
“I see great improvements, wonderful improvements, wonderful young man, really an active player, good finishing. Just still a little naďve and a little young... really transformed his body, I think he must have lost like 20 pounds. I think his body fat was 17 percent. Now it’s like eight. So he’s really taken care of himself and working hard. We’re happy he’s playing with the academy and helping the academy find the success they’re used to.”
FC Dallas 2012 Roster Dance (updated)
February, 24, 2012
Feb 24
12:23
PM CT
By Buzz Carrick | ESPNDallas.com
Updated for status as we see it right before Florida camp.
The Roster Dance is a long running feature of 3rd Degree. It is an effort to break down the FC Dallas roster into its various components with all the trialists and draft picks competing for spots. The Roster Dance includes things like nationality, age, status, green cards, and anything else that might impact space on the roster and the players that might fit into it.
Last updated: 2/24/12
Senior Roster (18 to 20)
For now MLS rosters hold at up to 30 players. Players 1 to 20 are on the senior roster and have to fit in the salary cap. (MLS teams may carry only 18 players on this senior roster if they wish)
FCD has 8 international slots in 2010 with 8 currently filled.
Players occupying roster spots 1-24 will earn at least $42,000 in 2011.
Off-Budget Roster (10)
Roster Spots 21 to 30. Generation adidas, developmental players, and home grown. Players 24 and under that don’t count on the salary cap. MLS teams can have a maximum of 10 off-budget players.
Players occupying roster spots 25-30 will earn at least $32,600 in 2011.
Other Players
Anyone connected, rumored, tried out, waived, training invited, or signed as a short term player.
The Roster Dance is a long running feature of 3rd Degree. It is an effort to break down the FC Dallas roster into its various components with all the trialists and draft picks competing for spots. The Roster Dance includes things like nationality, age, status, green cards, and anything else that might impact space on the roster and the players that might fit into it.
Last updated: 2/24/12
Senior Roster (18 to 20)
For now MLS rosters hold at up to 30 players. Players 1 to 20 are on the senior roster and have to fit in the salary cap. (MLS teams may carry only 18 players on this senior roster if they wish)
FCD has 8 international slots in 2010 with 8 currently filled.
| 1 | David Ferreira | 32, Colombian F/M. (8/9/79) Got his green card. |
| 2 | Daniel Hernandez | New 5 year coach/player deal. 35, US M/D (7/23/76) |
| 3 | Jair Benitez | 33, Colombian LB, (1/11/79). Green card. |
| 4 | Blas Pérez | (I1) Panamanian striker, turns 31 this year. (3-13-81) |
| 5 | Brek Shea | 20, US Nats MF. (2/28/90). |
| 6 | Ugo Ihemelu | 28, US D. (4/3/83) |
| 7 | Kevin Hartman | 37, US GK. (5-25-1974) |
| 8 | Zach Loyd | 24, US Nats M/D. (7-18-87) |
| 9 | Fabian Castillo | (I2) 19, Colombian striker. (6-01-92) |
| 10 | Ricardo Villar | (I3) 32, Brazilian, AM. (8-11-79) working on green card |
| 11 | Andrew Jacobson | 26, US DM. (9-25-85) |
| 12 | Hernan Pertúz | (I4) 22, Columbian U23, D. (3-31-89) |
| 13 | Chris Seitz | 24, US GK. (3-12-87) |
| 14 | Bobby Warshaw | 23, US M/D. (11-21-88) |
| 15 | Carlos Rodriguez | (I5) 21 year old Panamian M/D from Tauro FC. (4-12-90) |
| 16 | Bruno Guarda | 26, Brazil MF. (2/6/86). Green card |
| 17 | Scott Sealy | T&T F. 30, Previously with KC and SJ. (6/4/81) green card. |
| 18 | George John | US CB. (3/20/87) Not currently on FCD roster. Spot saved? |
| 19 | Dogba | (I6) Ange Pacome Dogba Gnagbo.Ivory Coast F |
| 20 | Open Spot | Sports 19 and 20 don’t have to be filled. |
| -- | ||
Players occupying roster spots 1-24 will earn at least $42,000 in 2011.
Off-Budget Roster (10)
Roster Spots 21 to 30. Generation adidas, developmental players, and home grown. Players 24 and under that don’t count on the salary cap. MLS teams can have a maximum of 10 off-budget players.
| 21 | Matt Hedges | UD D, 2012 1st pick. (4-1-90) Senior roster? |
| 22 | Andrew Wiedeman | (Ga1) 22, US versatile. F/M/D. (8-22-89) |
| 23 | Bryan Leyva | (HG1) 20, Mexican U20 MF (2/9/92) green card. |
| 24 | Ruben Luna | (HG2, I7) 19, Mexican U20 striker. (2-10-92) |
| 25 | Victor Ulloa | (HG3) 19, US Midfielder. (3-4-92) |
| 26 | Moises Hernandez | (HG4) US D, former U20 (3-5-92) |
| 27 | Jonathan Top | (HG5) 19, US striker. (1-26-93) |
| 28 | Richard Sanchez | (HG6) 17, Mexican keeper, US Citizen. (2-28-94) |
| 29 | Christian Ibeagha | 22, Former US U17 from OK (born Nigeria). (1-10-90) |
| 30 | Alex Lee | 2012 supplemental pick, D from Maryland. |
| -- | Ian Kalis | 2012 supplemental pick from SMU. Injured? Still on roster, not traveling. |
Players occupying roster spots 25-30 will earn at least $32,600 in 2011.
Other Players
Anyone connected, rumored, tried out, waived, training invited, or signed as a short term player.
| Jack Stewart | Late 2011 defender depth, didn’t stick in 2012 |
| Rodolofo Espinoza | 30 year old Mexican M, spring trial. |
| Kleyner Bejarano | a.k.a. Kleyner Bejarano Colombian D, spring trial |
| Scott Gordon | 23 year old US D, spring trial |
| Daniel Osorno | Formerly of Puebla, AM/F |
| Nicolás Gianni | a.k.a. Nicolas Cridani. 29, F/M |
| Daniel Cruz | Colombian, M didn’t play well in 2011, injuries cost him in 2012. |
| Marvin Chavez | Traded to San Jose. |
| Walter Hines | M, preseason trialist |
| Martin John | LB, preseason trialist |
| Joe Madigan | M, preseason trialist |
| Jackson | Brazilian M, on loan to Cruzeiro |
| Mykel Galindo | Waived in off season. |
| Edson Edward | Waived in off season. |
| Josh Lambo | Former Ga GK, waived in off season. |
The Roster Dance is a long running feature of 3rd Degree. It is an effort to break down the FC Dallas roster into its various components with all the trialists and draft picks competing for spots. The Roster Dance includes things like nationality, age, status, green cards, and anything else that might impact space on the roster and the players that might fit into it.
Last updated: 2/9/12
Senior Roster (18 to 20)
For now MLS rosters hold at up to 30 players. Players 1 to 20 are on the senior roster and have to fit in the salary cap. (MLS teams may carry only 18 players on this senior roster if they wish)
FCD has 8 international slots in 2010 with 8 currently filled.
Players occupying roster spots 1-24 will earn at least $42,000 in 2011.
Off-Budget Roster (10)
Roster Spots 21 to 30. Generation adidas, developmental players, and home grown. Players 24 and under that don’t count on the salary cap. MLS teams can have a maximum of 10 off-budget players.
Players occupying roster spots 25-30 will earn at least $32,600 in 2011.
Other Players
Anyone connected, rumored, tried out, waived, training invited, or signed as a short term player.
Last updated: 2/9/12
Senior Roster (18 to 20)
For now MLS rosters hold at up to 30 players. Players 1 to 20 are on the senior roster and have to fit in the salary cap. (MLS teams may carry only 18 players on this senior roster if they wish)
FCD has 8 international slots in 2010 with 8 currently filled.
| 1 | David Ferreira | 32, Colombian F/M. (8/9/79) Got his green card. |
| 2 | Daniel Hernandez | New 5 year coach/player deal. 35, US M/D (7/23/76) |
| 3 | Jair Benitez | 33, Colombian LB, (1/11/79). Green card. |
| 4 | Blas Pérez | (I1) Panamanian striker, turns 31 this year. (3-13-81) |
| 5 | Brek Shea | 20, US Nats MF. (2/28/90). |
| 6 | Ugo Ihemelu | 28, US D. (4/3/83) |
| 7 | Kevin Hartman | 37, US GK. (5-25-1974) |
| 8 | Zach Loyd | 24, US Nats M/D. (7-18-87) |
| 9 | Fabian Castillo | (I2) 19, Colombian striker. (6-01-92) |
| 10 | Ricardo Villar | (I3) 32, Brazilian, AM. (8-11-79) working on green card |
| 11 | Andrew Jacobson | 26, US DM. (9-25-85) |
| 12 | Hernan Pertúz | (I4) 22, Columbian U23, D. (3-31-89) |
| 13 | Chris Seitz | 24, US GK. (3-12-87) |
| 14 | Bobby Warshaw | 23, US M/D. (11-21-88) |
| 15 | Carlos Rodriguez | (I5) 21 year old Panamian M/D from Tauro FC. (4-12-90) |
| 16 | Nicolás Gianni | (I6) a.k.a. Nicolas Cridani. 29, F/M. (3/9/82) starting for Ferreira. |
| 17 | Scott Sealy | T&T F. 30, Previously with KC and SJ. (6/4/81) green card. |
| 18 | Bruno Guarda | 26, Brazil MF. (2/6/86). Green card |
| 19 | Daniel Cruz | (I7) 30, Colombian, M. Injured. (5-3-81) May be in roster trouble… |
| 20 | Jack Stewart | 28 year old US D. (5-29-1983) He gets John’s spot for now. |
| -- | George John | US CB. (3/20/87) Not currently on FCD roster, loan ends in March? |
| -- | Rodolofo Espinoza | (I9) 30 year old Mexican M, Chivas USA 10-11. (6-14-81) |
| -- | Kleyner Bejarano | (I10) a.k.a. Kleyner Bejarano Mena 22, Colombian D. (9/16/89) |
Players occupying roster spots 1-24 will earn at least $42,000 in 2011.
Off-Budget Roster (10)
Roster Spots 21 to 30. Generation adidas, developmental players, and home grown. Players 24 and under that don’t count on the salary cap. MLS teams can have a maximum of 10 off-budget players.
| 21 | Matt Hedges | UD D, ‘12 1st pick. (4-1-90) Senior roster? |
| 22 | Andrew Wiedeman | (Ga1) 22, US versatile. F/M/D. (8-22-89) |
| 23 | Bryan Leyva | (HG1) 20, Mexican U20 MF (2/9/92) green card. |
| 24 | Ruben Luna | (HG2, I8) 19, Mexican U20 striker. (2-10-92) |
| 25 | Victor Ulloa | (HG3) 19, US Midfielder. (3-4-92) |
| 26 | Moises Hernandez | (HG4) US D, former U20 (3-5-92) |
| 27 | Jonathan Top | (HG5) 19, US striker. (1-26-93) |
| 28 | Richard Sanchez | (HG6) 17, Mexican keeper US Citizen. (2-28-94) |
| 29 | Scott Gordon | 23 year old US D, 3rd round pick in 2011. (4-6-88) |
| 30 | Christian Ibeagha | 22, US U17 from OK (born Nigeria). (1-10-90) |
| -- | Alex Lee | 2012 pick, D from Maryland. Just arrived in camp. |
| -- | Ian Kalis | 2012 Supplemental Draft pick from SMU. Injured? |
Players occupying roster spots 25-30 will earn at least $32,600 in 2011.
Other Players
Anyone connected, rumored, tried out, waived, training invited, or signed as a short term player.
| Marvin Chavez | Traded to San Jose. |
| Walter Hines | M, preseason trialist |
| Martin John | LB, preseason trialist |
| Joe Madigan | M, preseason trialist |
| Jackson | Brazilian M, on loan to Cruzeiro |
| Mykel Galindo | Waived in off season. |
| Edson Edward | Waived in off season. |
| Josh Lambo | Former Ga GK, waived in off season. |
FC Dallas Home Grown player Jonathan Top has been called in to represent the U.S. Under-19 National Team in the 2012 Mercedes-Benz Junior Cup in Stuttgart, Germany from Jan. 3 to Jan. 9, U.S. Soccer announced today. In addition to Top, four additional FC Dallas Academy products to join U.S. U-20 team for camp in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
The Mercedes-Benz Junior Cup is an annual indoor soccer tournament featuring some of the top clubs from around the world. The U.S. has been drawn into Group A and will compete against club teams from Lechia Danzig (Poland), VfB Stuttgart (Germany) and FSV Mainz 05 (France). Group B includes Lazio (Italy), Celtic Glasgow (Scotland), SC Freiburg (Germany) and Hamburger SV (Germany).
Top, who signed as FC Dallas’ fifth Home Grown player on Jan. 12, 2011 was the leading scorer for the FC Dallas Under-18 Development Academy team in 2010. He made one appearance for the FC Dallas first team in 2011. In the annual home-and-away exhibition match, Top netted the fourth of six goals which led to an FC Dallas victory in the penalty-kick shootout. Top, who will turn 19 on Jan. 26, also saw 374 minutes of action with the FC Dallas Reserves.
In addition, FC Dallas Academy products Mike Ambrose, Boyd Okwuonu, Daniel Garcia and Flavio Guzman were called in to the first U.S. Under-20 National Team camp of 2012 by head coach Tab Ramos. The 36-player training camp will be held Jan. 2-9 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
Garcia and Ambrose saw time with the FC Dallas Reserves in 2011. Garcia had two goals in 80 minutes of action while Ambrose logged 242 minutes as a defender. Also a defender, Okwuonu won the ACC regular season title, the ACC tournament title and the NCAA Championship as a freshman with the University of North Carolina. He was named to the College Soccer News Freshman All-America Team. Guzman was the only player with the FC Dallas Under-18’s to start all 13 games this season. The midfielder netted three goals for the 11-0-2 squad.
The Mercedes-Benz Junior Cup is an annual indoor soccer tournament featuring some of the top clubs from around the world. The U.S. has been drawn into Group A and will compete against club teams from Lechia Danzig (Poland), VfB Stuttgart (Germany) and FSV Mainz 05 (France). Group B includes Lazio (Italy), Celtic Glasgow (Scotland), SC Freiburg (Germany) and Hamburger SV (Germany).
Top, who signed as FC Dallas’ fifth Home Grown player on Jan. 12, 2011 was the leading scorer for the FC Dallas Under-18 Development Academy team in 2010. He made one appearance for the FC Dallas first team in 2011. In the annual home-and-away exhibition match, Top netted the fourth of six goals which led to an FC Dallas victory in the penalty-kick shootout. Top, who will turn 19 on Jan. 26, also saw 374 minutes of action with the FC Dallas Reserves.
In addition, FC Dallas Academy products Mike Ambrose, Boyd Okwuonu, Daniel Garcia and Flavio Guzman were called in to the first U.S. Under-20 National Team camp of 2012 by head coach Tab Ramos. The 36-player training camp will be held Jan. 2-9 in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
Garcia and Ambrose saw time with the FC Dallas Reserves in 2011. Garcia had two goals in 80 minutes of action while Ambrose logged 242 minutes as a defender. Also a defender, Okwuonu won the ACC regular season title, the ACC tournament title and the NCAA Championship as a freshman with the University of North Carolina. He was named to the College Soccer News Freshman All-America Team. Guzman was the only player with the FC Dallas Under-18’s to start all 13 games this season. The midfielder netted three goals for the 11-0-2 squad.
FCD Academy loses championship to Pateadores
July, 16, 2011
7/16/11
9:32
AM CT
By Buzz Carrick | ESPNDallas.com
FC Dallas' Academy team lost to Pateadores of Southern California, 2-1, in the U17/18 Developmental Academy Championship on Friday.
Bryan Leyva scored for FCD, but the Red Stripes couldn't overcome the Pateadores' Jose Villareal.
Home-grown players Victor Ulloa, Moises Hernandez and Jonathan Top also played in this game for FCD.
It was a remarkable run by FCD to even get to the final against some of the best teams in the world. FCD had to win their group in the opening playoff round in Frisco against the top teams in each conference, then win their group again against the best eight teams in the U.S. at the final just to get to this game.
Full credit to Oscar Pareja and his staff for putting together such a terrific team.
-- U.S. Soccer Development Academy Match Report --
Match: Pateadores vs. FC Dallas
Date: July 15, 2011
Competition: 2011 Development Academy Finals Week; U-17/18 Championship
Venue: Marquette University (Valley Fields); Milwaukee, Wis.
Kickoff: 12 p.m. CT
Weather: 78 degrees, partly cloudy
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
Pateadores 1 1 2
FC Dallas 0 1 1
PAT – Jose Villareal 9th minute
FCD – Bryan Leyva (Michael Ambrose) 62
PAT – Jose Villareal (Irvin Parra-Anaya) 81
Lineups:
PAT: 61-Juan Cervantes; 5-Victor Calderon, 15-Javan Torre, 21-Pedro Lugo, Jr., 36-Oscar Sorto; 3-Michael Bautista (28-Casey Macias, 80), 11-Jefrey Payeras, 9-Jose Rivera (capt.), 12-Jackson McCracken (2-Maxxwell Bauman, 63); 24-Jose Villareal (41-Roberto Escudero, 90), 10-Irvin Parra-Anaya
Subs not used: 8-Kevin Alva, 60-Bryan Hernandez, 20-Daniel Theobald
Head Coach: Todd Saldana
FCD: 22-Eduardo Cortes; 14-Kellyn Acosta, 15-Boyd Okwuonu, 5-Jack Coleman (capt.), 30-Moises Hernandez (3-Michael Ambrose, 46); 10-Jose Perez (17-David Robledo, 46), 20-Victor Ulloa, 8-Flavio Guzman (6-Nicholas Rochowski, 90), 11-Danny Garcia, 40-Bryan Leyva; 9-Jonathan Top (18-Victor Pinal, 74)
Subs not used: 2-Mark Ashby, 39-Bobby Edet, 45-Fernando Laverde, 88-Bryan Landazury
Head Coach: Oscar Pareja
Stats Summary: PAT / FCD
Shots: 7 / 5
Shots on Goal: 4 / 4
Saves: 3 / 2
Corner Kicks: 4 / 7
Fouls: 5 / 5
Offside: 1 / 0
Misconduct Summary:
FCD – Danny Garcia (caution) 15th minute
PAT – Jose Villareal (caution) 32
FCD – Danny Garcia (caution) 58
FCD – Danny Garcia (sent off) 58
FCD – Boyd Okwuonu (caution) 71
Officials:
Referee: Robert Sibiga
Assistant Referee 1: Cedric Adams
Assistant Referee 2: Kevin Klinger
Fourth Official: Katja Koroleva
ussoccer.com Man of the Match: Jose Villareal (Pateadores)
Bryan Leyva scored for FCD, but the Red Stripes couldn't overcome the Pateadores' Jose Villareal.
Home-grown players Victor Ulloa, Moises Hernandez and Jonathan Top also played in this game for FCD.
It was a remarkable run by FCD to even get to the final against some of the best teams in the world. FCD had to win their group in the opening playoff round in Frisco against the top teams in each conference, then win their group again against the best eight teams in the U.S. at the final just to get to this game.
Full credit to Oscar Pareja and his staff for putting together such a terrific team.
-- U.S. Soccer Development Academy Match Report --
Match: Pateadores vs. FC Dallas
Date: July 15, 2011
Competition: 2011 Development Academy Finals Week; U-17/18 Championship
Venue: Marquette University (Valley Fields); Milwaukee, Wis.
Kickoff: 12 p.m. CT
Weather: 78 degrees, partly cloudy
Scoring Summary: 1 2 F
Pateadores 1 1 2
FC Dallas 0 1 1
PAT – Jose Villareal 9th minute
FCD – Bryan Leyva (Michael Ambrose) 62
PAT – Jose Villareal (Irvin Parra-Anaya) 81
Lineups:
PAT: 61-Juan Cervantes; 5-Victor Calderon, 15-Javan Torre, 21-Pedro Lugo, Jr., 36-Oscar Sorto; 3-Michael Bautista (28-Casey Macias, 80), 11-Jefrey Payeras, 9-Jose Rivera (capt.), 12-Jackson McCracken (2-Maxxwell Bauman, 63); 24-Jose Villareal (41-Roberto Escudero, 90), 10-Irvin Parra-Anaya
Subs not used: 8-Kevin Alva, 60-Bryan Hernandez, 20-Daniel Theobald
Head Coach: Todd Saldana
FCD: 22-Eduardo Cortes; 14-Kellyn Acosta, 15-Boyd Okwuonu, 5-Jack Coleman (capt.), 30-Moises Hernandez (3-Michael Ambrose, 46); 10-Jose Perez (17-David Robledo, 46), 20-Victor Ulloa, 8-Flavio Guzman (6-Nicholas Rochowski, 90), 11-Danny Garcia, 40-Bryan Leyva; 9-Jonathan Top (18-Victor Pinal, 74)
Subs not used: 2-Mark Ashby, 39-Bobby Edet, 45-Fernando Laverde, 88-Bryan Landazury
Head Coach: Oscar Pareja
Stats Summary: PAT / FCD
Shots: 7 / 5
Shots on Goal: 4 / 4
Saves: 3 / 2
Corner Kicks: 4 / 7
Fouls: 5 / 5
Offside: 1 / 0
Misconduct Summary:
FCD – Danny Garcia (caution) 15th minute
PAT – Jose Villareal (caution) 32
FCD – Danny Garcia (caution) 58
FCD – Danny Garcia (sent off) 58
FCD – Boyd Okwuonu (caution) 71
Officials:
Referee: Robert Sibiga
Assistant Referee 1: Cedric Adams
Assistant Referee 2: Kevin Klinger
Fourth Official: Katja Koroleva
ussoccer.com Man of the Match: Jose Villareal (Pateadores)
Jack Coleman and Moises Hernandez named to Developmental Academy Team
July, 7, 2011
7/07/11
12:46
PM CT
By Buzz Carrick | ESPNDallas.com
U.S. Soccer has announced the U-17/18 Development Academy Starting XI, Player and Coach of the Year, and conference honors for the 2010-11 and two FC Dallas defenders have been named to the U-17/18 Development Academy Starting XI.
FCD Academy player Jack Coleman and FC Dallas home grown signing Moises Hernandez were both named to the Starting XI for their outstanding defensive play this season. Moises Hernandez is one of two players to earn U-17/18 Academy honors for the second-consecutive season, along with Marvin Iraheta of Cosmos Academy West.
Players Development Academy midfielder Christian Hernandez has been named the U-17/18 Player of the Year after scoring 16 goals in 26 appearances. Past Players of the Year include FIFA U-20 World Cup veteran Dillon Powers and current Major League Soccer forwards Ruben Luna (FC Dallas) and Soony Saad (Sporting Kansas City).
Marcelo Neveleff has been named the Development Academy Coach of the Year for the U-17/18 age group after turning around a Weston FC team that finished 4-8-4 in the Southeast Division last season, leading them to a first-place finish in the division in 2010-11 and a place in Finals Week.
US Soccer also announced regional team Starting XI. In addition to Coleman and Hernandez, FC Dallas home grown striker Jonathan Top was also named to the Central Conference Starting XI. Oscar Pareja was named Central Conference Coach of the Year for his amazing work with the FC Dallas Academy.
FCD Academy player Jack Coleman and FC Dallas home grown signing Moises Hernandez were both named to the Starting XI for their outstanding defensive play this season. Moises Hernandez is one of two players to earn U-17/18 Academy honors for the second-consecutive season, along with Marvin Iraheta of Cosmos Academy West.
Players Development Academy midfielder Christian Hernandez has been named the U-17/18 Player of the Year after scoring 16 goals in 26 appearances. Past Players of the Year include FIFA U-20 World Cup veteran Dillon Powers and current Major League Soccer forwards Ruben Luna (FC Dallas) and Soony Saad (Sporting Kansas City).
Marcelo Neveleff has been named the Development Academy Coach of the Year for the U-17/18 age group after turning around a Weston FC team that finished 4-8-4 in the Southeast Division last season, leading them to a first-place finish in the division in 2010-11 and a place in Finals Week.
US Soccer also announced regional team Starting XI. In addition to Coleman and Hernandez, FC Dallas home grown striker Jonathan Top was also named to the Central Conference Starting XI. Oscar Pareja was named Central Conference Coach of the Year for his amazing work with the FC Dallas Academy.
Four FC Dallas players selected for U18s
May, 13, 2011
5/13/11
10:03
AM CT
By Buzz Carrick | ESPNDallas.com
US U18 coach Mike Matkovic has chosen 20 players to represent the US at the U18 Lisbon Tournament including four FC Dallas players. The U.S. will travel on May 19 to train ahead of three international matches against the Netherlands (May 25), Portugal (May 26) and Finland (May 28).
Micheal Ambrose (Frisco), Jack Coleman (Norman, OK), Boyd Okwuonu (Edmond, OK), and home grown signing Jonathan Top (Ft. Worth) are the four players. The first three are all defenders for the FCD Academy team, while Top is a reserve striker for the professional side. All four players were part of the FCD team that won their group at Dallas Cup.
Only one other club, New York Red Bulls, has more than one player selected with two.
The group also includes all four players - Luis Gil, Boyd Okwuonu, Will Packwood and Alex Shinsky - who represented the United States at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria.
U.S. Roster:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Jeff Gal (Sockers FC; Bartlett, Ill.), Jon Kempin (Sporting Kansas City; Leawood, Kans.).
DEFENDERS (7): Michael Ambrose (FC Dallas Academy; Frisco, Texas), Jack Coleman (FC Dallas Academy; Norman, Okla.), Bryan Gallego (New York Red Bulls Academy; Kinnelon, N.J.), Jordan McCrary (Univ. of North Carolina; Marietta, Georgia), Juan Pablo Ocegueda (Tigres, Mexico; Riverside, Calif.), Boyd Okwuonu (FC Dallas Academy; Edmund, Okla.), Walker Zimmerman (Furman Univ.; Lawrenceville, Ga.).
MIDFIELDERS (7): Luis Gil (Real Salt Lake; Garden Grove, Calif.), Daniel Metzger (New York Red Bulls Academy; Holmdel, N.J.), William Packwood (Birmingham City, England; Concord, Mass.), Victor Pineda (Chicago Fire; Bollingbrook, Ill.), Alex Shinsky (Univ. of Maryland; York, Penn.), Christopher Somerville (Baltimore Bays Chelsea; West Chester, Pa.), Wil Trapp (Crew Soccer Academy; Gahanna, Ohio).
FORWARDS (4): Villyan Bijev (Cal Odyssey; Fresno, Calif.), Luis Rendon (FC Richmond Magic; Chesterfield, Va.), Khiry Shelton (Lonestar SC; Leander, Texas), Jonathan Top (FC Dallas; Ft. Worth, Texas)
Micheal Ambrose (Frisco), Jack Coleman (Norman, OK), Boyd Okwuonu (Edmond, OK), and home grown signing Jonathan Top (Ft. Worth) are the four players. The first three are all defenders for the FCD Academy team, while Top is a reserve striker for the professional side. All four players were part of the FCD team that won their group at Dallas Cup.
Only one other club, New York Red Bulls, has more than one player selected with two.
The group also includes all four players - Luis Gil, Boyd Okwuonu, Will Packwood and Alex Shinsky - who represented the United States at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria.
U.S. Roster:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Jeff Gal (Sockers FC; Bartlett, Ill.), Jon Kempin (Sporting Kansas City; Leawood, Kans.).
DEFENDERS (7): Michael Ambrose (FC Dallas Academy; Frisco, Texas), Jack Coleman (FC Dallas Academy; Norman, Okla.), Bryan Gallego (New York Red Bulls Academy; Kinnelon, N.J.), Jordan McCrary (Univ. of North Carolina; Marietta, Georgia), Juan Pablo Ocegueda (Tigres, Mexico; Riverside, Calif.), Boyd Okwuonu (FC Dallas Academy; Edmund, Okla.), Walker Zimmerman (Furman Univ.; Lawrenceville, Ga.).
MIDFIELDERS (7): Luis Gil (Real Salt Lake; Garden Grove, Calif.), Daniel Metzger (New York Red Bulls Academy; Holmdel, N.J.), William Packwood (Birmingham City, England; Concord, Mass.), Victor Pineda (Chicago Fire; Bollingbrook, Ill.), Alex Shinsky (Univ. of Maryland; York, Penn.), Christopher Somerville (Baltimore Bays Chelsea; West Chester, Pa.), Wil Trapp (Crew Soccer Academy; Gahanna, Ohio).
FORWARDS (4): Villyan Bijev (Cal Odyssey; Fresno, Calif.), Luis Rendon (FC Richmond Magic; Chesterfield, Va.), Khiry Shelton (Lonestar SC; Leander, Texas), Jonathan Top (FC Dallas; Ft. Worth, Texas)
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Buzz Carrick
Buzz Carrick has been the owner and publisher of 3rd Degree since it was founded in 1997. A graduate of Texas A&M and Boston University, Carrick has been in television production since 1992, primarily in the field of live sports. For two years Carrick was the co-host of Inside Soccer with Brad Sham. While 3rd Degree is mostly focused on FC Dallas, Carrick has also written MLS SuperDraft Rankings for ESPN Soccernet.
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Soccer Today: 5/19
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