ACADEMY: FC Dallas U-17 Academy Competing in LIGA Bancomer MX Internacional

FRISCO - More united than ever, the relationship between MLS and Liga MX is strengthened from its foundation. 

For the fifth year, the young talent of American and Mexican soccer will face off each other at the 2018 Liga MX Internacional, a tournament pitting the best Academy teams from the two nations against each other at the U-17 level. After falling to Pachuca in 2017 Final, FC Dallas is ready for the challenge this year brings.

“Our speed and our tactics are definitely a way that we can overcome any challenge that any team throws at us,” said goalkeeper Seth Wilson. “We are all excited, we just got back from a Mexico trip and we performed well against some of the top teams like Tigres so I feel in this tournament we have the greatest chance to win.”

Coached by Luchi Gonzalez, FC Dallas' U-17s are in a group with fellow MLS Academy sides LA Galaxy, Toronto FC, and Atlanta United FC. The other group consists of Liga MX sides Club America, Chivas, Pachuca, and Atlas.

Running from August 16-24, Mexico City's Centro de Alto Rendimiento will host the group stage matches, where every team will face one another over seven games. The two top group-stage finishers will qualify for the Final on Saturday, August 25 at the historic Estadio Azteca.

“We are all focused and we are not afraid of any team,” said center back Nico Carrera. “We think that they should be afraid of us. I think we can really do some big things this year.”

Dallas will compete for the fifth straight year, marking the most appearances by an MLS club at the tournament. The U-17s have improved their record in every appearance, posting their best result last year with a 3-2-2 record and earning a spot in the Final. Pachuca leads the way with three titles in the tournament, while FC Dallas is on a mission to take the trophy for the first time.

Make sure to check back for score updates and links to watch each game daily.

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