When FC Dallas homegrown Jesus Ferreira checked into the match in the 71st minute, FC Dallas fans saw a familiar sight.
With Ferreira emblazoned across his back, just like his MLS MVP father before him, he trekked out onto the pitch looking to do what his father, David, did plenty of times in a FC Dallas uniform – score.
And just that he did.
In the 89th minute, Ferreira found himself all alone with the keeper. He nestled his shot in the back of the net to put FC Dallas up 6-2, and a wave of emotion came over him. Ferreira is the youngest ever player to appear for FC Dallas at 16 years and 161 days old, and the second-youngest to score in Major League Soccer.
“Making your debut is just an amazing feeling,” Ferreira said. “Being able to score in your first game you played professional, no words can describe that feeling. I just saw that it was me and keeper. I thought to myself this is the moment.”
Fellow homegrown Victor Ulloa also shared a special night making his 100th MLS appearance. In 100 games, he has grown quite wise, and offered his advice to the youngster.
Seems like Ferreira listened.
“Halftime I told him that he was going to come in and score,” Ulloa said. “He did. I’m very proud of him. You can see that the academy is working well and working for this club. I’m happy for him.”
Ferreira was welcomed to MLS in quite a way when just minutes after checking in, veteran Real Salt Lake midfielder Kyle Beckerman rose up over the youngster to grab a goal back for the visitors.
Just a few weeks removed from playing in the Dallas Cup, MLS was a bit of a step-up for the homegrown. He had to adjust quickly.
“He caught me off-guard,” Ferreira said. “It’s way faster than what I expected. Everyone was moving faster. I couldn’t think enough. I just got adjusted and played my game.”
As for head coach Oscar Pareja, it is a very special moment to see one of his academy kids have such an impact on his debut. Pareja coached David, and watched their sons play together.
“It’s a dream come true for one of the kids,” Parjea said. “It’s a dream come true for the entire academy program. It’s like a scene from a movie when a player debuts and also scores. It gives us a lot of confidence to keep believing in the program, and this kid.”
