FCD Academy ready for tough tests at Development Academy Winter Showcase

FRISCO - The FC Dallas Academy takes the show on the road this week headed to Bradenton, Florida for the annual US Soccer Development Academy Winter Showcase.

The year-end trip serves as an opportunity to take a break from their normal divisional opponents to face Development Academy teams from around the country in matches that count for year-end standings.

• U.S. Soccer Development Academy U-18 Standings

“I think it’s a really good opportunity to go and play some really tough teams,” said defender Hector Montalvo. “We know that all three games are going to be tough, but our team is united right now. Our team is focused and we’re going there to get nine points.”

Indeed it will be a tough task for the U-18s. Coming off the U-16 National Championship, the target is certainly on their backs and they’ve been drawn to play Georgia United, DC United and the Philadelphia Union, all three teams currently in playoff positions. In the case of Philadelphia, the match will be a re-match of the U-16 national semifinal from earlier this year.

“Out of this trip we need the nine points,” said Montalvo. “We know we’re not on top of the table and that’s the goal for us.”

The FC Dallas U-16s currently boast an 8-0-0 record and the #1 overall seed in the Development Academy. With that seed, they’ve been drawn against Weston FC, Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Real Salt Lake, all three teams currently at the tops of their divisions with just four losses in 35 combined matches.

• U.S. Soccer Development Academy U-16 Standings

“It’s going to be a good competition,” said midfielder Jommar Reyes. “We’re preparing every practice to be at the highest level and the only way we do that is by competing every day at practice…I feel like [head coach Luchi Gonzalez] is sharpening us in every side of our game technically, mentally and getting us ready to go.”

The week also serves as a bonding experience for the young players who will spend time together as a team on the road away from their families. With events like Dallas Cup, Generation adidas Cup and the playoffs coming on the horizon, the Showcase is an excellent opportunity to come together and focus with many big days ahead.

"It’s always a fun time. We’re brothers, we’re family, so there’s never a dull moment with us," said U-18 midfielder Weston McKinnie. "It’s always fun, the airplane rides. We try to act good most of the time, but whenever it’s time to play we try to handle our business and represent the club as well as we can."