FRISCO, Texas - Back in December, a couple of days before New Year’s Day, Jesus Ferreira and fellow FC Dallas teammates, Reggie Cannon and Paxton Pomykal, earned call-ups to the U.S. Men’s National Team’s January Camp.
Now, a little more than two weeks into his first senior team camp, Ferreira reflected on the time he has spent representing his new country in Bradenton, Florida.
“It’s [been] a good start,” Ferreira said. “It’s a great moment in my career to get my first camp with the senior team. I’m excited and we are all working here together.”
Ferreira became a United States citizen on Dec. 16. The 19-year-old enjoyed a fantastic 2019 MLS season, finishing as FC Dallas’ top scorer with eight goals. He played all over the pitch, starting matches as both a forward and midfielder.
In speaking with head coach Gregg Berhalter, Ferreira’s potential role with the squad becomes clearer by the day.
“I’ve had a lot of conversations with the coach about my position,” he said. “He sees me more as a nine and I adapt … I’ll try my best there.”
Ferreira is not short of FC Dallas teammates in camp. While Pomykal recently departed to focus on injury rehab, Cannon and Brandon Servania, a late addition, remain. Cannon, who has one assist in 10 caps for the national team, is sure to have given Ferreira plenty of advice.
“I’m happy for everybody,” Ferreira said. “We used to play in the Academy and now in the senior team … We’re all doing the right things and we’re building off each other.”
Ferreira and his international teammates will spend the final week of camp preparing for a friendly match against Costa Rica on Feb. 1.
“We have to be focused 100% in every training,” Ferreira said. “Everybody here is fighting for a spot.”
