When Kellyn Acosta starts for FC Dallas this season, the club does not lose.
FCD are 7-0-4 when the recently turned 20-year-old Homegrown product cracks the starting XI, including a 5-0-1 mark since he returned from representing the US at the Under-20 World Cup in New Zealand.
The record is no coincidence; Acosta has played a big role in FCD's hot streak, recording his first career goal in the club's 2-1 win against D.C. on July 18 and following it up with another goal and an assist last weekend against Portland.
“He’s been on fire,” fellow Homegrown midfielder Victor Ulloa told MLSSoccer.com. “He’s helped us so much. He’s helped me a lot. He covers a lot of ground. He’s scoring some goals for us. He’s been amazing. The growth he’s had in the position has been amazing.”
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The organization has kept tabs on Acosta since the Plano, Texas native was only 13 years old. Back then, current head coach Oscar Pareja served as the Director of Player Development for the club’s academy, now one of the strongest in MLS.
“We brought this kid in and he immediately caught our eyes,” Pareja said. “We’ve seen him growing and remind him everyday that he can score goals [and] take his game to the next level.”
Now in his third MLS season, Acosta’s progression has never been more apparent than over the last six games. After making a total of 20 starts and not logging any shots on goal during his first two seasons in MLS, Acosta had already put up 14 shots, with four on goal and two finding the back of the net, during the team’s current six-game unbeaten run.
“I feel like I’m being more consistent,” Acosta told MLSSoccer.com. “I’m getting a lot of games there, practicing there, getting a lot of touches, and I think I’m getting used to it. And as games go on, I’ll keep progressing and getting better.”
Pareja attributed Acosta’s recent improvements to a variety of factors, including the fact that he is equally skillful with both feet. According to Pareja, the skill gives FCD's protégé the ability to maneuver out of tight spaces easier than many other players. He went as far to call Acosta “remarkable” at winning possession in difficult spots.
But having known Acosta for roughly seven years now, the head coach sees something even more valuable in his young midfielder.
“I think his personality is the biggest thing that I can remark [on],” Pareja said. “I see in Kellyn all passion, and Kellyn’s mode all the time is competition. That’s what I’m looking for, and with that element for me, I’m very excited.”
Acosta is one of five different homegrown players to make an appearance for FC Dallas this season, which shows the club’s commitment to youth. He even went to high school a mere 14 miles away from Toyota Stadium, making his recent success all the more special for him.
“It’s a dream come true,” Acosta said. “I always wanted to play here in this stadium. I grew up going to the Cotton Bowl watching the Dallas Burn and then they eventually moved over here. I’m glad to be here and that I get the opportunity to play in front of my friends and family and all of the fans.”
