FRISCO, Texas – FC Dallas defenders Jack Coleman and Moises Hernandez have quite a bit in common. Both players have honed their defensive skills with the FC Dallas Academy team over the last two years; both have made appearances for FC Dallas in the recently resurrected MLS Reserve League; and both were recently named to U.S. Soccer’s U-17/18 Development Academy Starting XI.
“It’s an honor to make the team,” said Hernandez. “I made it last year, and this year it’s me and Jack Coleman on the Best XI, so it shows that FC Dallas is doing positive things.”
FC Dallas is the only club in the nation with two players named to the All-Academy team.
“It means a lot because there are tons of players and tons of teams in the Academy, so to be honored with that position means a lot to me,” Coleman said. “It’s both humbling, and it’s evidence that I’ve improved, and that was my goal for the season so it means a lot.”
Both players are also similarly grateful to FC Dallas for the different opportunities the club has helped them earn once their Academy days are over.
Hernandez signed a professional contract with the club nearly a year ago as part of the league’s Home Grown player initiative. He says his experiences with the FC Dallas Academy and professional teams are what helped him gain attention from the U.S. Soccer Federation.
“The Academy and the pro league helped me get called up to the [U-20] National Team,” said the young professional. “I went to qualifying with the National Team and unfortunately we didn’t qualify, but it was still a great experience. I wouldn’t have gotten that experience without the opportunities FC Dallas has given me.”
Coleman, on the other hand, will be taking the college route, as he has committed to Indiana University this fall. But the U-18 captain readily admits he has FC Dallas to thank for his recruitment.
“My level of play is high because of the people I’m training with and the people coaching me,” said the future Hoosier. “I got to play with this team and play well. I got recruited by Indiana while I was at events with this team. That’s where it all started, so I wouldn’t be where I am without this club.”
Despite the different paths the teammates find themselves on, it’s not inconceivable to think the two might find themselves on the same pitch in the future. There are 13 Indiana University alumni currently playing in Major League Soccer, including FCD’s own Eric Alexander.
“I’m really excited,” said Coleman. “To know that players from Indiana have been successful, it gives me a lot of hope and confidence.”
Other FC Dallas Development Academy honors
In addition to being named to the Development Academy Starting XI, Coleman and Hernandez were also named to the Academy’s Central Conference Starting XI along with Home Grown forward Jonathan Top.
FC Dallas Reserve and Academy coach Oscar Pareja was also named Coach of the Year for the Central Conference. At the U-16 level, FC Dallas forward Bobby Edet was honored by being named to the Academy’s U-15/16 Central Conference Starting XI.
The Development Academy has honored players and coaches with post-season awards since its inaugural season in 2007-08. Past Players of the Year include FIFA U-20 World Cup veteran Dillon Powers and current Major League Soccer forwards Ruben Luna (FC Dallas) and Soony Saad (Sporting Kansas City).
U-17/18 Development Academy Starting XI
GOALKEEPER: Jesus Guzman (San Jose Earthquakes)
DEFENDERS: Javan Torre (Pateadores), Jack Coleman (FC Dallas), Bryan Gallego (New York Red Bulls), Moises Hernandez (FC Dallas)
MIDFIELDERS: Marvin Iraheta (Cosmos Academy West), Wil Trapp (Crew Soccer Academy), Christian Hernandez (Players Development Academy)
FORWARDS: Villyan Bijev (Cal Odyssey), Maikon Orrellana (Real Salt Lake AZ), Xavi Silva (Weston FC)
Coach of the Year: Marcelo Neveleff (Weston FC)
U-17/18 Central Conference Starting XI
GOALKEEPER: Jeff Gal (Sockers FC)
DEFENDERS: Jack Coleman (FC Dallas), AJ Cochran (St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missouri), Moises Hernandez (FC Dallas), Peter Beasley (Chicago Fire)
MIDFIELDERS: Victor Pineda (Chicago Fire), Wil Trapp (Crew Soccer Academy), Tony Rocha (Texans SC Houston)
FORWARDS: Khiry Shelton (Lonestar SC Academy), Jon Top (FC Dallas), Amadou Dia (Real Colorado)
Coach of the Year: Oscar Pareja (FC Dallas)
U-15/16 Central Conference Starting XI
GOALKEEPER: Jacole Turner (Sporting Kansas City)
DEFENDERS: Luis Ramirez (Texas SC Houston), John Pothast (Sockers FC), Vernon Bailey (Dallas Texans), Mo Kaba (Vardar)
MIDFIELDERS: Ricardo Perez (Colorado Rapids), Zachary Mathers (Solar Chelsea SC), Alan Arellano (Houston Dynamo)
FORWARDS: Kekuta Manneh (Texas Rush AJ Auxerre), Nick Jones (St. Louis Scott Gallagher Missouri), Bobby Edet (FC Dallas)
Coach of the Year: Billy Thompson (Crew Soccer Academy)