FRISCO, Texas – For the third year in a row, an FC Dallas player has earned the top spot in MLS’s 22 Under 22 rankings. Alan Velasco claimed the #1 spot in this year’s list of the league’s best players under the age of 22, following in the footsteps of FCD Homegrowns Jesús Ferreira (2022) and Ricardo Pepi (2021). Fellow attacker Bernard Kamungo joins Velasco on the list, coming in at #19.
“This says a lot about the hard work of so many people in our club, from our Academy coaches and staff to everyone in our Scouting Department,” said FCD’s technical director André Zanotta. “They put a lot of hours and effort to find talents, here in the U.S. and internationally, and push these players to be better every day.
“There is also a lot of credit to our second and first team staff, who help the players reach their maximum potential and understand the demands of a professional environment, helping players from abroad, like Alan, to adapt quickly to the club and the community. Last but not least, it says about the character of these three players. MLS is a league with so many great young players and, being elected the #1 player in the 22 under 22 is a recognition of their effort, talent and also the commitment with FC Dallas.”
Velasco has enjoyed a strong sophomore season with FC Dallas, registering five goals and four assists in 31 games across all competitions. A versatile attacker, Velasco has recently flourished in an advanced midfield role after spending the majority of his first 18 months in MLS as a left winger. The 21-year-old also earned his first call-up to the U-23 Argentina national team following a breakout performance in the 2023 Leagues Cup back in August.
“Alan is a key player for us. And he is well aware of this and is mature enough, even at such a young age, to understand his importance for the team,” Zanotta said. “He is that kind of player that everybody expects something different, magical. A player that can surprise the opponent with a dribble, a shot, a feint. Having someone with this capability can make a big difference in any team.”
Bernard Kamungo earned the #19 spot in the rankings after a breakout season that includes six goals and three assists in all competitions. Also just 21, Kamungo’s achievements are underlined by his incredible journey to FC Dallas and MLS, but this recognition is on the back of his on-field performances alone. Kamungo’s contributions include two-game winning goals and two game-tying goals, which combined have earned Dallas six crucial points. Having only become an American citizen last year, Kamungo earned his first U.S. call-up last week and debuted for the Olympic national team in a friendly on Wednesday, Oct. 11.
“To be honest, he exceeded our expectations for his first year with FC Dallas,” Zanotta said of Kamungo. “But can we say we are really impressed with that? I don’t think so. We are talking about Bernard and the best story in soccer that I know! We love to keep watching his growth and we will never be tired to be impressed with Bernie’s story and achievements. It just keeps getting better.”
Velasco and Kamungo join a long list of FC Dallas players recognized by the 22 Under 22 ranking (formerly 24 under 24) over the years:
History of FC Dallas Selections in MLS 22 Under 22/24 Under 24
2023: Alan Velasco (1), Bernard Kamungo (19)
2022: Jesús Ferreira (1), Alan Velasco (7)
2021: Ricardo Pepi (1), Jesús Ferreira (9), Paxton Pomykal (13), Justin Che (16)
2020: Paxton Pomykal (5), Jesús Ferreira (16), Bryan Reynolds (18), Tanner Tessmann (21)
2019: Paxton Pomykal (3), Reggie Cannon (5), Jesús Ferreira (9), Brandon Servania (18)
2018: Reggie Cannon (7), Pablo Aranguiz (18)
2017: Kellyn Acosta (2), Carlos Gruezo (14), Jesse Gonzalez (20)
2016: Kellyn Acosta (4), Carlos Gruezo (8), Jesse Gonzalez (9), Walker Zimmerman (11)
2015: Fabian Castillo (1), Kellyn Acosta (14)
2014: Fabian Castillo (3), Mauro Diaz (6), Tesho Akindele (23)
2013: Fabian Castillo (15)
2012: Brek Shea (3), Fabian Castillo (22)
2011: Brek Shea (1), Fabian Castillo (7)
2010: Brek Shea (7), Dax McCarty (24)
