FRISCO - Last season, Jesse Gonzalez was a wide-eyed teenager taking in the playoff run from the bench as he backed up Chris Seitz in FCD’s knockout round win over Vancouver. Fast forward 12 months and Gonzalez has locked down a spot in goal as FC Dallas is about to begin their Western Conference Final matchup against Portland.
Two more FC Dallas teenagers hope to replicate that path in the future as Alex Zendejas and Coy Craft take in the playoff run in their first full years as professionals.
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“It’s definitely an exciting moment,” said Zendejas. “The last game was one of the most exciting I’ve ever been a part of and I’m happy for all the guys and definitely looking forward to the next game. Everyone is giving it their all. We want this so bad, me too and hopefully we can get this result.”
Neither Craft nor Zendejas have made the gameday roster for a playoff game, but that doesn’t mean the experiences haven’t helped them. Both are major participants in high-octane training sessions and join the team in the locker room before and after the epic games.
“Oscar’s done a great job of including the younger guys and it’s just awesome to take it all in and be a part of it,” said Craft. “The competition in practice is at an all-time high this year and we can all feel it. The trainings have been awesome.”
Craft and Zendejas have combined to make ten appearances this season including three starts and that experience combined with being a part of a playoff run could play a huge role in their development and a 2016 season that will include increased opportunity for games with CONCACAF Champions League coming into the equation.
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“They start picking up things from the stress from competition in the games and what it means to be in a series where there is no tomorrow,” said Pareja. “You have to make things happen today.”
“I learned a lot [from last season],” said Gonzalez.” “Any mistake can cost you the game and you just can’t make any mistakes at this point. I’ve learned a lot from being in the bench last year and I’m using it now.”