FRISCO - With the first round of the 2017 NCAA College Cup commencing on Thursday afternoon, we take a look at the ten FC Dallas Academy products that will compete in the final 48 with their respective schools.
Jordan Cano, Eddie Munjoma, and Phillip Ponder – Southern Methodist University
Named the nation’s seventh best defense in 2017, the SMU backline is composed of three FC Dallas academy graduates. Named American Athletic Conference’s Defender of the Year, Cano leads the backline playing 18 matches in 2017 recording 17 shutouts. Sophomores, Munjoma and Ponder have all been regulars for the Mustang playing 15 and 18 matches respectfully. SMU face Central Arkansas at 7 CT on Thursday night.
Brandon Servania – Wake Forest University
Played in all but two games for the Demon Deacons in 2017, Servania has had no issues in adjusting to the collegiate scene. Only a freshman and yet he is the team’s second-leading assist man with 11assists in 18 matches, helping Forrest enter the NCAA Tournament as the nation’s top seed. Wake Forest had a first round buy, and so, will face in the second round against the winner between Columbia and William and Mary on November 19th at 4 PM CT.
Beto Carrillo and Blake Willis – Columbia University
Both Willis and Carrillo have broken into the first time in just their first year at Columbia. Willis, an integral part of the defense has made the most appearances for his school with 18 in 2017. A U-18 call up for the Mexican National team in 2016, and a U.S. National Team call up in 2014, Carrillo will look to add valuable experience in Columbia’s match against William and Mary on Thursday at 7 CT.
Charlie Furrer – Stanford University
A redshirt this season, Furrer made two appearances in 2017 both against San Diego State. The Texas native was a Golden Gloves winner following 2014 Generation adidas Cup with the FC Dallas Academy. Stanford University will face off the winner between Pacific and CSU Fullerton in the second round on November 19th at 7PM CT.
Mark Salas, Martin Salas, and Gio Montesdeoca – University of North Carolina
Mark followed in his older brother Martin’s footsteps heading to Chapel Hill, and has started 12 games for the No. 2 team in the nation, while Martin Salas has seen time this season limited playing three games. Montesdeoca has also made a name for himself at the Tar Heels in his freshman year making 12 appearances. North Carolina will face the winner between UNCW and Presbyterian in the second round on November 19th at 6PM CT.