The First 15 - FC Dallas Juniors

Michael Janosz of Isiphoto

On May 19th, 2008 FC Dallas launched the Juniors and Academy program. The first 15 players were introduced to the public with a press conference launching the inaugural core of FC Dallas’s first youth players. In two short years, FC Dallas has built a development program that rivals some of the programs from both MLS and long established powerhouse clubs around the country. In their 2nd season in the USSF Development Academy season, FC Dallas will return to finals week as the lone MLS Academy playing for the USSDA U17/18 Championship. The USSDA Finals on July 10-18th at the Home Depot Center in California will also mark the end of the road for the remaining members of the first 15 FC Dallas Junior players. Youth soccer development in the U.S. is the current hot topic, we look back to present the first FC Dallas Junior class.

Cody Adams - A 2010 University of Denver signee, Cody is a pacy winger who loves to run at defenders.

Bradlee Baladez - Bradlee has made a move into the next level of his game this season. College commitment unknown. Baladez was one of the first Juniors invited to train with the senior team in 2009

Jael Barrera - Defender University of Houston-Victoria signee. Started 21 of the 25 games in 2009-2010 USSDA season

Nathan Dombrowski - Left FC Dallas for Andromeda SC in 2009 due to the no HS soccer policy. Currently a Freshman at University of Dayton

Chris Figueroa – CM, played 23 of 27 games in 2009-2010 season NC State signee

Alexei Reyes - Florida Gulf Coast University Freshman. Left the same time with Nathan to continue play for Jesuit and Andromeda SC.

Joshua Hernandez – Received a call-up with the U20 MMT in the last cycle. Trialed in Mexico. Current situation unknown

Moises Hernandez – LB for the Juniors. Received a call-up for the U20 in this current cycle. Immense raw talent with Pro potential

Rafael Martinez Jr. – Forward, 2 goals in 11 games played. 1 of the 4 MLS Sueno contestants invited into the program

Nelson Morales – GK, left the program after 2009 season. All-District at WT Whites HS

Alexander Molano – Already started his Pro career. Currently with Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia. Former U17 MNT resident in Bradenton.

London Woodberry – Freshman at University of Maryland. Received a call-up to the U20 team early in this current cycle.

Ramiro Funes (José Funes Mori) – 1 of 4 MLS Sueno finalist invited into the initial FCD program. Currently at the youth system with River Plate in Argentina

Gabriel Funes (Rogelio Funes Mori) – Maybe a world class player in the making. His name is being mention as the next Argentine super star. Forward for River Plate 1st team. Have received National Team call-up with Argentina. Rumored for an oversea transfer to Juventus

Ruben Luna – 2009 USSDA U15/16 Player of the Year with 38 goals. The next home grown signee in waiting for FC Dallas. Ruben along with Bryan Leyva is the poster child for the FC Dallas Program. As soon as citizenship issues resolves, Ruben should be stealing headlines from Andy Najar of DC United as the next youth professional produced from the development program.