FRISCO, Texas — The experts will have their say next week, but this is your chance to vote on the best 22 players under the age of 22 in MLS. Throughout the next few days, we'll be highlighting our players who were named to the shortlist and why you should vote for them. Next, we take a look at Jesus Ferreira, Brandon Servania and Thomas Roberts!
Why you should vote for Jesus: There weren’t many players who enjoyed the 2019 season more than Jesus Ferreira. The Homegrown forward enjoyed a breakout campaign that saw him win the team’s Golden Boot, and his eight goals were the most scored by a Homegrown player in team history. His agility, balance and eye for goal gave headaches to multiple defenses, and Ferreira was instrumental in FC Dallas’ success this season. He’s going to be key for the team’s future not only next season, but multiple years after.
Why you should vote for Brandon: Brandon Servania made his FCD and MLS debut in 2019 after spending the previous season on loan to the Tulsa Roughnecks. Although he began the season with League One affiliate North Texas SC, the 20-year-old cemented his place in FC Dallas’ midfield after enjoying a productive U-20 World Cup with the USMNT. Servania ended up making 18 MLS appearances (13 starts) and contributed with two goals and three assists. A tidy midfield operator, Servania also played in both of Dallas’ Open Cup games and scored an eye-catching volley from 25-yards. Although his first MLS came midway through the season, Servania proved to be one of FCD’s best performers in the latter half of the year and made himself indispensable to Luchi Gonzalez’s midfielder trio.
Why you should vote for Thomas: Thomas Roberts was also among the FC Dallas Homegrowns who saw their first professional minutes in 2019. The creative midfielder made his MLS debut in March and helped set up the winning goal against the Colorado Rapids. In total, Roberts made six appearances (three starts) in MLS play and also featured FCD’s round of 16 match against New Mexico United in the U.S. Open Cup. Roberts also saw significant playing time with North Texas SC in League One. He accumulated 951 minutes in 11 starts and recorded two goals and one assist along the way. At the end of 2019, Roberts was among the five players invited to train with FC Bayern Munich as part of FC Dallas’ partnership with the German giants.
