FRISCO, Texas (Monday, Aug. 3) – The FC Dallas Academy recently wrapped up its most successful year in franchise history. The club captured two national championships and also saw two of its former stars, Coy Craft and Alejandro Zendejas, debut with the FC Dallas first team.
“This past year has solidified our claim to having the best youth academy in the United States,” Dan Hunt, president of FC Dallas, said. “What we are doing here in North Texas is on par with many of the biggest clubs in the world. I couldn’t be more proud of the progress we are making with our first-class facilities and coaching staff.”
Dallas’ U16s hoisted the U.S. Soccer Development Academy National Championship after defeating the New York Red Bulls Academy, 4-0, in Carson, Calif. on July 20. The team shut out all six playoff opponents it faced on its way to the title.
The success extended to the U15 pre-academy team, which completed an undefeated season to raise the National Premier League U15 National Championship in Indianapolis, Ind., on July 13. Jesus Ferreira, son of former MLS MVP David Ferreira, scored a late equalizer to send the team into overtime in the final against Chicago’s Sockers FC. Dallas’ U15s eventually won the title on penalty kicks.
Already leading MLS in minutes played by Homegrown players this season, FC Dallas debuted Zendejas, 17, in a 4-1 win against Houston on May 1. Craft played in his first professional match in October 2014.
In addition to Zendejas and Craft, Homegrown players Kellyn Acosta (Plano, Texas), Moises Hernandez (Dallas, Texas) and Victor Ulloa (Wylie, Texas) all play vital roles for the first team.
“It is easy to characterize the academy as being successful due to the team’s on-field records and accomplishments, but it is more rewarding knowing that we are helping young men perform at the highest level possible,” Chris Hayden, vice president of FC Dallas Youth, said. “We are looking forward to the next academy season and will continue to dedicate all of our energy to improving the playing standard and training environment for our academy players in 2015-16.”
