Bernard Kamungo (‘02) couldn’t play this pass last season. .@northtexasSC's Luis Cardoso finds the equalizer! 😱 1-1 pic.twitter.com/2qyuqShnbS— MLS NEXT Pro (@MLSNEXTPRO) June 18, 2022
FCD v Solar U19, W 2-1 Lineup (L-R where applicable): Eyestone ('06); Anguiano ('05), Baker ('04), Starnes ©('03), Reynolds ('04); McCloud ('04); Hernandez ('05), Morales ('04); Scott ('05), Pickering ('05), Martinez ('04) Subs: At halftime, Mason Grimm ('05) and Tim Ospina (?), a CM, on for Baker and Starnes, and Grimm and McCloud partner as CBs – Hernandez takes the armband; Jordan Jones ('05) for Anguiano at LB at 1:42:30; Jalen Belong ('03) on for Pickering at 1:46:20; Anthony Ramirez ('05) on for Manny Martinez (who had been playing as a CM) at 1:52:30; Goals · 25:32 – Hernandez is over a CK about to hit an in-swinger after aiming at Scott at the near-post on one directly prior. He calls one play, they run it, but he doesn’t take the kick. They call a different play, Starnes gets a free run on the near side and redirects the ball into the far corner. · 39:16 – Reynolds comes forward and inside to slip in Morales, whose backheel to Scott doesn’t quite come off in Solar’s box. Solar plays wide then forward into the space where Reynolds should be – Hernandez is taken out of the play by aggressively counterpressing and being bypassed. Solar plays across the middle and up their right wing, where the wide player pauses, cuts inside, and plays to the top of the box to a wide open #77, who turns, shoots near post, and scores despite Eyestone getting a finger to it. Not a lightning quick defensive transition by FCD’s midfield, and Starnes gets caught in no man’s land between the scorer and the Solar left midfielder. · 1:12:47 – Throw in deep in FCD’s half. Anguiano opts to go to Ospina at the top of his own box, who pops it over the head of a Solar player, carries up the middle a ways and lays off to Reynolds on the right. FCD carries forward, resets, goes all the way left, then back to Hernandez, who plays quickly to Ospina in the middle. Ospina slips it to Pickering in the pocket in front of the CBs about 25 yards out, and Pickering collects and shoots, curling one off the crossbar and down for Morales to bundle home. Not clear if Pickering’s shot crossed the line originally. Other Chances · 14:12 – Nice combo play and carrying between Morales and Pickering up the middle leads to Pickering getting taken down on the 18-yard-line by a Solar player, but the ref decides against calling a foul. · 15:49 – After a spell of playing around the back, Hernandez gets the ball off of Starnes at the beginning of the middle third and hits a line-drive, right-to-left diagonal through midfield in front of Anguiano. Anguiano drives, 1-2 with Scott gets him into the box, where he lays off for Pickering at the PK spot. Pickering cuts left, shoots low, and is saved. · 18:09 – Starnes plays forward to Hernandez, who either takes a bad touch or doesn’t realize he’s getting closed down. He’s stripped, and Solar #77 (who tore FCD last time these teams played) drives through contact to the top of the box and shoot far post. Eyestone deflects wide. · 57:53 – Solar CK hit to back into midfield before a return ball to the taker. He swings it in, an FCD player gets a head on it but can’t clear, and then #77 spins and shoot, hitting his volley over from just a few yards. · 1:15:40 - Ospina carrying up the left halfspace at Solar’s box. He passes wide toward the endline for Scott, who lays back for the supporting Anguiano, who returns it to Scott. Scott lets it run across his body and beats his man inside, passing into Ospina at the top of the box, who one-touches Martinez in behind. Martinez finishes smartly, but is called offside. Scott had a wide open lane to play Martinez directly instead of Ospina. · 1:43:23 – Solar long-ball up the middle that Jones heads clear. Solar recovers, plays wide to their attacking LB, who whips in an early cross to a player entering the box. Ball bounces off his foot and Grimm’s challenge, and he’s able to hit a shot first time before McCloud gets there to block him. Really nice foot save by Eyestone (had another one in the first half). · 1:59:10 – Solar FK inside FCD’s half lofted to the far post, headed down across goal, and Jones doesn’t box out strong enough. Solar attacker goes past him and gets a knee on a bouncing ball at the top of the six, but puts it at Eyestone. Eyestone subsequently gets lazy and hits his long ball into a pressing defender and back over his own goal. Notes · McCloud a single-pivot more often than not, but Hernandez will drop beside him sometimes and leave Morales as a lone 10. Both Hernandez and McCloud have to do a lot of work in 1H checking back to get the ball off the CBs since the CBs aren’t passers. FCD gets turned over quite a bit building out early as part of that. Hernandez, Anguiano, Morales, Scott, and Starnes among those culpable. Very different vibe with Grimm and McCloud back there in 2H (apart from one really bad McCloud miscue). · Several instances of nice game-reading in 1H by McCloud to jump a passing lane over the middle. Causes a few TOs. He gets to the ball really quickly when he wants to – bit of a bulldog. Contrasted with Hernandez who seems slower to make those reads and cover the ground. McCloud’s got a great on-base-percentage when he’s on the ball, but his slugging percentage is pretty low (again contrasted with Hernandez who tries to hit home runs every time – endearing to me, no doubt maddening to his coaches). · Scott on the wing again. Plenty of good work, plenty of not. I think they realize he’s (WAY) better as a ST, because that’s where he’s been used with NTX, but I guess they’ve got to shoe horn him and Pickering into the same lineup at this level and he’s a more comfortable winger than Pickering? · Second time seeing Anguiano as a FB. Obv on his unnatural side in this one. Some clever quick-footed moments with the ball. Moves a bit like Pomykal, and shows off the athleticism at times (though he’s short). I wonder if he’s got the passing vision to make the #6 work? Either too nonchalant or too rushed a few times in this one. Alternatively, could see him becoming a Farfan / Cannon type “elbow-back” if he can get up to ~6’0”. · Practice your weaker foot too, kids. Baker gives away two different CKs in 1H because he won’t pass with his right. · Camera had a hard time dealing with the lighting conditions in 2H, so it’s tough to see action on the far side of the field (FCD’s right) · If Grimm’s progressed in his defensive awareness/anticipation/decision-making/range enough that they trust him with U19 and NTX minutes (despite being a young ’05), look out (note that it’s not clear from this game’s evidence that he has). Might be a live one. The on-ball work has always been standout (see 1:33:46 for an example). 3-4” taller and we could be talking about a serious CB prospect. · Related: waiting for one (1) of the ‘05s besides Scott to turn out to have +athleticism. Taking their time. · Jordan Jones as a LB?? You had my curiosity, but NOW you have my attention. If he’s got more speed over distance than I realize, could be something. We live in the era of the unusual fullback. · I know some have had their concerns about Eyestone’s ability to make saves around his feet given his size, but he looked pretty good in this one. His kicking was crazy inconsistent though. · I’m sure I’ve said it before, but Belong runs like he got some real track and field training at some point (came to FCD from playing HS in rural OK, so it’s not unlikely). Just a joy to watch him hit full speed. Going to Oregon State, so we’ll see if there’s more there.
RGV Toros just signed a 15-year-old named Dylan Hernandez to a first team amateur contract. He's from close to McAllen, which is where Pablo Torre came from before signing for NTX. It's possible he's the forward that played with FCD's U15s at the GA Cup (see above). Best I can tell, that Hernandez didn't go on to play with the team at the tourney in VA in May. As much as the '07s struggle to score goals, him opting to stay in the Valley may be a bit of a kick in the teeth (it may also be the case that they trialed him and decided to pass - who knows).
Probably doesn't mean anything, but for the sake of the historical record here. Both Ledezma and Sealy are present on day 1 of PSV’s preseason under new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy. https://t.co/MRjM1DNCOr— Daniel (@DanielSmith1022) June 20, 2022
This is happening. I'm told #FCDallas has informed their current U15 team there will indeed be a U16 Academy team next year and FCD is now actively recruiting for this new team.#DTID https://t.co/uNdtOAvjAV— 3rd Degree (@3rdDegreeNet) June 21, 2022
By my count, they'll be one of six MLS clubs with a U16 team (DC, ATL, TOR, ORL, and STL the others). Buzz seems to think the only downside is the investment required to field it and that makes sense to me (kids need game time and you may still have late bloomers at that age). That said, sure feels like FCD's adding (U16s) or maintaining (U19s) teams that other top developmental clubs are cutting (none of RSL, Philly, San Jose, Miami, LAFC, or LA Galaxy field either 16s or 19s). Zigging when others are zagging?
LAFC actually does have a u19 team; they play in UPSL rather than MLS Next. A few other clubs field teams in USPL, Atlanta United, RSL-AZ and Barca AZ are a few of them.
I don’t mind the idea of a U-16 team. I think if you look at DC a United you’ll see how they use it effectively. Their ‘06 year is really good and almost all of them play for the U-16’s, not the U-17’s. At a lot of clubs anyway the best U-16 players have to wait their turn the first half of the U-16 season to get minutes with the U-17’s.
Sealy played the second half. Nice assist at 1:22:59. Almost another assist at 1:38:45. Almost goals at 1:40:45 and 2:01:50. Should have drawn a PK at 1:53:15. Lively and dangerous throughout against poor competition. Plenty of joy going right when he dribbled, which seems like a good development.
Looks like the partnership with Bayern Munich may be coming to an end. Transfermarkt: Bayern nie jest zadowolony ze współpracy z FC Dallas. Długoterminowym celem FCB jest rozwój na amerykańskim rynku. Teraz klub rozważa rozpoczęcie wspólnego projektu z Vancouver Whitecaps, zwłaszcza mając na uwadze nadchodzący transfer syna Hasana Salihamidzica. https://t.co/OAcxhtnWj6— Gabriel Stach (@GabrielStachPL) June 23, 2022
I can't find anything on Transfermarkt that matches what this guy attributes to them. Meanwhile, Munich just sent Jose Mulato to NTX for developmental minutes, Tarik Scott got plugged into the World XI team, and Oliver Kahn was in Frisco last month. I'm skeptical they're severing the relationship until I stop seeing evidence of it. Pendant ce temps la, le partenariat avec le Bayern Munich va bon train.André Zanotta, directeur sportif du FC Dallas a reçu Oliver Kahn au siège du club et s'est vu remettre un maillot #DTID pic.twitter.com/aCrXEX69GV— FC_Dallas FR 🇫🇷 (@FCDallasFR1) May 24, 2022
Bernard Kamungo's 8th goal of the season, third most in the league. https://t.co/K536usI3uq— Garrett Melcer (@GarrettMelcer) June 27, 2022 81' – Hope ➡️ Collin! make that 4️⃣!#NTXvMIN | 4-0 pic.twitter.com/fewBaJP8N8— North Texas SC (@northtexasSC) June 27, 2022
Yeah, the weather delay’s an extenuating factor, but NTX has been tearing a good MNU2 team apart this evening. Cuttin’ ‘em up Hibachi-style. 4 goals does not flatter their work.
Unless they sign someone this summer, FCD's going into the offseason with just Ferreira on the roster at ST (Jara's contract's supposed to be up). Heck, he might be transfer bait after a big club season and World Cup. HUGE opportunity for Scott (and Pickering and Torre and maybe Mulato and maaaaaaybe Vargas) to earn a first team deal in the next six months. WING/ST, Tarik Scott, FC Dallas Academy ('05)One of the most talented, but least talked about 🇺🇸 prospects. ELITE speed. Can connect play. Tidy on the dribble. Every time I watch him he is getting in dangerous spots. Should be next Dallas HG. Criminally underrated. pic.twitter.com/cHFtdJgPm4— Marcus Chairez (@chai_asc) June 27, 2022
U19s through to the quarterfinals with a 1-0 win. They’ll face Wake FC on Wednesday morning. If Wake’s not the #1 seed they’re close to it - fair to say FCD isn’t favored to advance, I think. Got my spy to send me a better quality video of Tarik's goal. https://t.co/M3MQaamLba— 3rd Degree (@3rdDegreeNet) June 28, 2022
U19s into the Semis against either the Revs or PDA on the 1st. Pickering and Scott both seem like they’re cooking this week. Final: The U19s move on to the semifinal with a 4-1 win. They’ll play on Friday at 11am. https://t.co/yBS8fk9Jgi— Garrett Melcer (@GarrettMelcer) June 29, 2022
This is a real good add for FCD. One of the better ‘07 CB’s. They need more additions like this. 🚨 It's been an absolute privilege to play with these guys and coaches over the past 3 years. It was an honor to captain my teammates this past season. Excited for a new opportunity to lead with the @fcdallas Academy this upcoming season. Let's go! 🚨 #DTID #usynt #ussoccer pic.twitter.com/T2g3m9vCSd— Luke Munson (@LM16soccer) June 29, 2022
Tarik Scott (2005/ FC Dallas U-19) vs Barca Residency Academy MLS Next Playoffs#DTID pic.twitter.com/P6NWCZM1S7— FC_Dallas FR 🇫🇷 (@FCDallasFR1) June 30, 2022
U19s go down 2-1 to New England in the semifinals. Dominated the possession and had most of the chances, especially in the first half, but New England was way more clinical / composed in the last moment. They added Ramirez, Norris, and Eyestone to the roster for this game, which I believe puts the final tally of players to be rostered in this tournament at five 03s, five 04s, ten 05s, and one 06.
Sealy played the second half. PSV really struggled to build anything sustainable with the ball. He probably got on the ball 10-15 times and did something positive with it 2-4 times. Best involvement happened in the 90th when he received with his back to goal, touched it around his defender, drove at the top of the box, and laid it off to his teammate for a shot.
Che played the second half as a RWB in a 3-back. Plenty of good movement off-the-ball in possession but needs to read the offside line a little more carefully. Hoffenheim did a lot of attacking down his side (though both goals came down the left) and had ~75% possession. Really nice crosses at 47:00, 62:40, 85:10, and 90:10 (the last two could easily have been an assists). Passing was generally good. Tough defensive sequence at 76ish.
I think Che would be a really good fit for the US U-20 WC team. The team needs a player who is equally comfortable at RB and CB, so they don't have to use two spots on RB's. They need to use two spots on LB's because there's not the same level of comfort for the main candidates playing CB/LB. I don't even know if there will be a natural left-footed CB on the team.