FRISCO, Texas - FC Dallas had a league-high four players named to MLS's 22 Under 22 rankings, an annual list which ranks the top 22 players in the league under the age of 22.
Forward Jesús Ferreira, defender Bryan Reynolds and midfielders Paxton Pomykal and Tanner Tessmann were all included in this year's rankings. Reynolds and Tessmann have enjoyed breakthrough seasons and make the top 22 list for the first time, while Pomykal and Ferreira feature in the rankings for the second straight year.
It's also the second year in a row that FCD was the best represented club in the 22 Under 22 after Brandon Servania and Reggie Cannon joined Pomykal and Ferreira in the league's list for 2019. Dallas' consistent showing in the annual rankings reflects its continued dedication to player development; a philosophy which has seen the club sign a league-high 30 players to Homegrown contracts since 2009.
#21 | Tanner Tessmann
Nineteen-year old Tanner Tessmann signed his first pro contract with FCD two days before the club's 2020 Home Opener, which he started against the Philadelphia Union. Tessmann has been a near ever-present figure in the heart of Dallas' midfield whether from the start or as a sub. The former Clemson commit has started in five of Dallas' six victories this season and played a total of 839 minutes so far in his FCD career.
18 | Bryan Reynolds
Reynolds had started 1 MLS game prior to 2020 and only became a regular in mid-August; so the fact that he's listed at No. 18 on this ranking is a testament to just how good he's been over the past two months. The 19-year-old was posited as Reggie Cannon's heir apparent, and so far he's lived up to that billing. Reynolds' ability going forward and his pinpoint crosses have been a major part of Dallas' attack since he came into the starting lineup. Big Bad Bryan had made nine starts and accumulated two assists this year.
#16 | Jesús Ferreira
The young Ferreira hasn't been in as many Starting XIs as he did last year but he's still shown the talent that earns him the No. 16 spot on MLS' 22 Under 22 list. His versatility means he's been deployed at attacking midfield, both wings and occasionally at center forward where he spent much of 2019. While he's only started eight games, Ferreira has still registered a goal and an assist from his various starting positions.
#5 | Paxton Pomykal
Pomykal has played a grand total of 150 minutes this season but his standout talent and unique combination of skill on the ball and energetic work rate means he breaks into MLS's top 5 players under 22. The 20-year-old had scored one goal from one start and four sub appearances before undergoing season-ending surgery on his hip. While it's an unfortunate premature ending to his 2020, Pomykal is primed to come back stronger next season and show off his considerable talents.
