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. Up next is Paxton Pomykal,Edwin Cerrillo and Bryan Reynolds.
Why You Should Vote for Paxton
A creative midfielder who started a total of 20 games this season while also named captain for the United States during the U-20 World Cup in the summer. Pomykal put MLS on notice this season with his vision, creativity and movement on and off the ball. He became a key cog in the midfield for FC Dallas as soon as he returned from the World Cup in Poland. He earned his first-ever call-up to the U.S. Men’s National team, making his first senior international appearance against Uruguay in September. The scary part is, he’s just getting started.
Why You Should Vote for Edwin
Edwin Cerrillo was among the contingent of FCD Homegrowns who enjoyed a breakout 2019 campaign. Only signing his first pro contract three weeks prior to the first game of the season, the 19-year-old started seven of Dallas’ first 11 MLS games before departing for the U-20 World Cup in Poland with the United States. In all, Cerrillo made 12 appearances (11 starts) in MLS play, including a sub appearance in FCD’s playoff match against Seattle. The defensive midfielder also featured in both the club’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches.
Cerrillo also contributed to North Texas SC’s title-winning season. He started seven games, including the semifinal against Forward Madison, and accumulated 558 minutes for the League One affiliate. Although Cerrillo featured less often in the latter half of FC Dallas’ season, 2019 was an impressive debut season for the Waco native.
Why You Should Vote for Bryan
The 2019 season was a big year for Bryan Reynolds as he made his professional debut with USL League One affiliate North Texas SC as well as his MLS debut for FC Dallas. In MLS play, the 18-year-old right-back made 10 appearances (one start) and was part of the 18-man matchday squad an additional eight times. In his second-ever appearance, Reynolds recorded his first MLS assist after finding teammate Dominique Badji with a lofted through-ball to put the forward through on goal. Outside of MLS, Reynolds started both of FC Dallas’ Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup games and contributed to the team’s 4-0 victory over OKC Energy after being fouled in the box for a penalty which was converted by Reto Ziegler.
Reynolds was also a big part of the North Texas SC team which won the inaugural USL League One title. He started twelve games, including both playoff victories, and was a standout performer scoring one goal and adding two assists. Although he signed his Homegrown contract in 2016, the 2019 season was Reynolds’ breakout year and he showed he has all the talent to become a crucial part of FC Dallas’ defense going forward.
