FRISCO - You get to decide who will take the pitch for the MLS All-Stars to battle with UEFA Champions League Winners Real Madrid.
Here’s five reasons why you should vote for FC Dallas Homegrown midfielder Kellyn Acosta to face Los Blancos at Soldier Field in Chicago on August 2 at 8 p.m.
1. Local Talent
The local-product signed a homegrown contract with FC Dallas in July of 2012 and hails from the club’s backyard, calling Plano his hometown. He grew up in the FC Dallas Academy and worked all the way up to the FC Dallas senior team, while representing the United States at the youth level. He now is a central piece of FC Dallas and the U.S. National Team at the age of just 21.
2. For Club and Country
Acosta established himself as a Men’s National Team option under former manager Jürgen Klinsmann. Now, with Bruce Arena taking over, he appears to be in the center of Arena’s plan for the United States. He was recently called up for the national team’s three June matches, and played 27 minutes off the bench against Venezuela in the most recent friendly on Sunday.
3. Put Him Anywhere
Rising through the ranks of the FC Dallas Academy system, it appeared that Acosta had found a calling at outside back. But after a move to midfield, a talented box-to-box player in the middle of the pitch emerged, either at defensive mid or on the wing. Acosta has the versatility to help contain Real Madrid in the middle of the pitch, or on the outside. He has played both positions for both club and country.
4. All-Star Battle Tested
He has been on this stage before. Acosta started against Arsenal in the 2016 MLS All-Star game as an outside back. He logged 57 minutes and registered a shot in the 2-1 loss. Why not bring back a guy who has experience as a MLS All-Star against a European foe?
5. The Year of Kellyn
In just 11 games with FC Dallas this season, Acosta has already dished out two assists and bagged three goals, tying a career-high for tallies. He also had two CONCACAF Champions League goals in 2017 as well. Acosta has set himself up nicely to have a career year, and with three professional seasons under his belt before the age of 21, he has a bright future ahead of him.
