Sueño MLS kicked off earlier this month at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco. The fifth annual competition provides an opportunity for young soccer players to showcase their skills for youth development scouts.
This year FC Dallas shares hosting duties with the Chicago Fire and the Philadelphia Union. Six out of 400 participants in each city will be picked to take part in a week-long trial with their respective team’s youth academy and participate in the “Final Event,” which will be held in Frisco this year.
Jesse Perl, an MLS spokesperson, says this competition provides an opportunity for young soccer players to experience a pro-tryout for pro soccer scouts. It also allows players to be in close proximity to MLS clubs. Perl says the main goal for the MLS and FC Dallas are for clubs to discover new talent.
“FC Dallas has the opportunity to showcase their facilities, players, and program,” says Sr. Director of Hispanic Sales & Marketing for FC Dallas, Eduardo Carvacho. “The reason why this is important is for players to fulfill their dreams and feel a part of the only pro soccer team in Dallas.”
Carvacho also says that FC Dallas has a deep involvement in developing the Hispanic youth in the Dallas area and the competition helps to integrate young Hispanic kids and help them get seen.
One of those players hoping to seen by scouts and colleges is 16-year-old Dallas native, Anthony Hall. Hall was recognized as the best goalkeeper in the FC Dallas tryouts and was the winner of the “Good Hands,” top goalkeeper award in the competition.
“I have learned to communicate with players and how to play my position the right way and take control of game,” says Hall. He has been playing since he was five years old and hopes to one day play in the MLS.
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The competition continues throughout the month and ends with the “Final Event,” where the winner will be announced. The finals, taking place May 8, will include scrimmages, guest celebrity scouts, training sessions and a chance to meet some of Major League Soccer’s biggest stars.
