The FC Dallas Academy teams started training for the 2025-26 season back in early August, with the season starting up in early September. For these U16s – the second year of emphasis in MLS Next after U18 – they kick off on the 13th against Austin FC.
There doesn’t seem to be any major changes in the MLS Next system this year, but there have been a couple of coaching shifts in the FCD Academy.
FCD listed everyone on the rosters they gave me with their native age groups, so I will do the same here. But we know FCD was aggressive in moving players up last year, and I expect that to continue.
You can meet the U18s here. And the U17s here.
FC Dallas U16s – 2010s
Head Coach: Toto Schmugge
The U16s are two-time Dallas Cup Champions at U13 in 2023 and U15 in 2025. This is a talented group on the top end. But they could use some middle and depth; perhaps that’s why we see five new players.
The Buzz List
Here are some players I find interesting in this group. (In alphabetical order)
Xavier Gomez – An above-average 9/W that plays well in combination and works his tail off. Shows up big in big games. Mexico U15.
Christian Guillén-Lopez – Has the physical qualities and profile for the pro game. Lanky height (about 6’2″ already?) and moves well. Good passing vision, feet, and defense. US U15.
Tamba Hallie II – A dynamic attacker with a complete game, a game-changer. The highest ceiling in this group for me. Pace and skill create havoc.
Justus Jones – He’s tiny, but he’s a vocal leader and dynamic left back. Dribbles, combines, and overlaps out of the back with tenacious intensity. Can be overmatched by size/power. US U15.
Alex Soria – A Terrific all-around mid. Good range, feet, and above-average passing. Box-to-box quality.
FC Dallas U16 Roster for 2025-26
This roster is official from FC Dallas. Please remember these rosters are subject to change. They can, and do, change! Frequently.
Five new additions for 2025-26 for an already quality group.
| No. | Name | Pos. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Knox Stover | G | Joined from Solar SC for 24-25. Respect for the “0” keeper jersey. Jeff Cassar would be proud. |
| 6 | Christian Guillén-Lopez | CB | US U15. Has the game and profile. |
| 14 | Johan Padilla Canales | CM | Came up in 23-24 from ECNL Red 10. |
| 20 | Wallace Smith | LB | joined FCD for 2024-25 from Solar SC. “Wally.” |
| 22 | Alex Soria | CM | Multiple National US ID camps. Box to box 8. |
| 24 | Dariel Orta | CM | Mexico U15. |
| 26 | “Tito” Salas | G | A.k.a. Eduardo Salas. |
| 27 | Patrick Arne | CB | With FCD since at least U12. The CB I’ve seen the most next to CGL. |
| 30 | Titus Watson | D | New for 25-26 from Charlotte Independence. |
| 31 | Alvin Tabe | F | New 25-26 from Avanti SA. From Little Elm. |
| 32 | Justus Jones | LB | Captain. US U15. |
| 33 | Seif Awad | CB | Joined FCD for 23-24 from Solar SC. |
| 34 | Xavier Gomez | F | Mexico U15. Tenacious battler, big game player. |
| 35 | Eli West | F | New for 25-26 from BVB International. |
| 36 | Robert Melvin | RB | New for 25-26 from AC River (San Antonio). |
| 37 | Elijah Tayengo | M/D | New for 25-26, up from FCDY ECNL Red. |
| 38 | Angel Monsivais | 9 | Came up in 23-24 from ECNL Red 10. Sometimes. (Monsivais-Leos) |
| 40 | Nathan Ochoa | M | Joined mid-’24-’25 season from Dallas Hornets. |
| 41 | Neil Akem | RB | Younger brother of FCD Academy product (and GAM) Phil Akem. |
| 42 | Tamba Hallie II | W | Slashing winger. Game changer. |
| 53 | Brennen McDonald | M | With FCD since at least U12. |
| 57 | Angelo Caiafa | 9 | Came up in 23-24 from ECNL Red 10. (Caiafa-Barrios) |
