FRISCO — After suffering just three losses in 25 games this season, there isn’t a lot to improve for the FC Dallas U-18/19 squad. FCD had a goal differential of 67 in the regular season, the third-best ratio in the league.
Now, the focus turns to postseason play. Being the second overall seed and first in its group, Dallas is hungry to avenge a short end to last season’s campaign. FCD was USSDA National Champions in 2016 and will look to get back on top in 2018.
“We knew for a fact this season that we needed a good seed for the playoffs,” FC Dallas U-18/19 midfielder Edwin Cerrillo said. “I think that was really important building our confidence going into the playoffs. We really wanted to be seeded high for, I wouldn’t say an easier bracket, but just going with that confidence into the playoffs and hopefully we can win a championship.”
FC Dallas U-18/19 forward Kevin Kim said the team has grown closer together as the season has progressed, and he said he is confident Dallas can go far in the playoffs and win the championship. He said the key will be to use team chemistry as a strength.
“In the very beginning we knew each other, but each game, each match we build our chemistry together,” Kim said. “Right now, it’s our time to shine.”
Finishing second overall in the regular season has given Dallas a target on its back. FCD is currently riding a 15-game winning streak going into the playoffs and will look to carry that momentum. Cerrillo said even though he knows its competition will give its best against FCD, it just means the team has to give even more on the pitch.
“I think that in the season everybody plays like it’s the final,” Cerrillo said. “We can’t go out there relaxed, we have to take it to them in order to come out on top in every game.”
FCD will start its playoff run at 2:30 p.m. on June 18 against Sacramento Republic FC U-18/19, then take on Saint Louis FC Academy U-18/19 and will finish group play against New York City FC U-18/19.
“It starts in the back. Everybody’s important and everybody contributes to the play of the game,” Cerrillo said. “We obviously have great forwards to finish the goals, but it starts from building out of the back and into the midfield.”