This past weekend, the FC Dallas U19 Boys Academy traveled to Washington D.C. to compete in the MLS NEXT FLEX event with a playoff spot on the line.
The weekend started on Friday with a 1-0 win over Albion SC with Manny Martinez scoring the winner on a difficult turf surface. Game 2 on Saturday was a one-sided affair with a 6-1 win over Southern Soccer Academy. The penultimate game on Monday saw FC Dallas face FC Delco, in a win-to-advance showdown. The game was moved from grass to a firm turf field with some weather looming in the DC area which, again, made things difficult to control the game. FC Dallas created a host of chances in the first half with Mikey Morales coming closest as his effort hit the post. The second half continued to see FC Dallas push the game and strive for that all elusive goal and, with time winding down, an FC Dallas first team style front to back goal, sealed the game. Goalkeeper Aaron Salinas started the move with some precise build passes, before the ball was advanced all the way to edge of the FC Delco box where Tarik Scott slipped full back Ty Reynolds in behind the last line for Reynolds to slide in front of the keeper and score the game winner.
“These boys just keep pushing," said head coach John Gall. "There is a never say die attitude within the group and it's certainly a joy to coach them. They are always trying to play the right way, and sometimes it does not work out but the message is always clear to keep doing what you’re doing and good things will happen. I’m really proud of the boys for always believing. We have preached playoffs since the start of the season and it was great to see the reaction of the players at the end of the game”.
Now, the preparation begins for the National event in June, hosted at Toyota Soccer Center where the exciting single elimination format will bring the country’s best to Frisco. “Now we push even more, as we certainly are not content in just getting to the playoffs” said Gall.
