Every North Texas Soccer Club signing directly from the FC Dallas Academy (or any academy) without any time in college soccer. Not counting hybrid deals that become Homegrown. Just straight MLS Next Pro contracts.
Ricardo Pepi – El Paso, Texas
Forward. We all knew he would eventually be a Homegrown, but technically he was the first signing in NTXSC history on a USL-1 contract.
Ronaldo Damus – Hinche, Haiti
Striker/winger. Joined the FCD Academy in 2018, signed with North Texas SC for 2019. He’s been a U20 and now senior player for Haiti.
Arturo Rodriguez – Irving, Texas
Attacking mid/wing. Joined the FCD Academy in 2017, scored the Dallas Cup winning goal against Monterrey. Only played 13 games in total for the Academy. Signed with North Texas SC in 2019 and is arguably the USL-1 MVP. On loan to the Monarchs in USL-C.
David Rodriguez – Irving, Texas
Attacking mid or 8. FCD Academy since 2017 and is still eligible to play for the U19s. Named to the 2018 Dallas Cup All-Star team by Adidas for his performances in the U-16 bracket. He’s been in two U.S. Men’s National Team camps at the U-17 level. Signed with North Texas SC in 2019.
Oscar Romero – Dallas, Texas
Mid or wing. Started with the FCD Academy in 2013. Left FCD in 2017 to join Inter Playa del Carmen then the UNAM Academy. Played for UNAM Premier in 2017-2018. Signed with North Texas SC in 2019.
Eduardo “Pollo” Cortes – Zapopan, Mexico
Goalkeeper. Played three seasons with the FCD Academy, 2009 to 2011, starting in FCD’s first USSDA U18 Championship. Played four seasons at IUPUI from 2012 to 2015. Signed with St Louis FC in 2016 but did not play. Trialed with Indy Eleven in 2017. Not officially a homegrown player due to some roster technicality, but was on the FC Dallas roster in the supplemental section as their 3rd keeper in 2017. Played for NTX Rayados and Fort Worth Vaqueros before signing with North Texas SC in 2019 and released after the season.
Imanol Almaguer – Frisco, Texas
Outside back or linking mid. With the FCD Academy since 2010. Signed with North Texas SC after the end of the 2018-2019 season with the U19s.
Gibran Rayo – Dallas, Texas
A skilled and quick wing, off-striker, attacking mid or linking mid. I’ve even seen him play as a 6.
Blake Pope – Prosper, Texas
Pope played for the FCD Academy before leaving to join Charlotte Independence Academy. He signed an MLS Next Pro contract with North Texas in March of 2022.
Dylan Lacy – New York, New York
Lacy came through New York Red Bulls and Philadelphia Union Academies before joining FC Dallas. He was a massive part of the U19s successful 2022-23 season, earning MLS Next Cup Playoff Best XI.
Diego Pepi – El Paso, Texas
The younger Pepi went from ECNL to North Texas SC, then to the Academy. Yes, that’s a very strange order. He’s since signed an NTX contract. Later signed as Homegrown.
Leonardo Orejarena – Chicago, Illinois
Signed from Barca USA to a North Texas SC deal and has basically just been a paid Academy player since. Kind of a backward signing from North Texas, then the Academy.
Isaiah Kaakoush – Maricopa, Arizona
Same deal as Orejarena. Signed from Barca USA to North Texas SC then joined the Academy.
Zach Molomo – Plano, Texas
A left back converted from striker. American of Nigerian descent. Molomo signed a straight North Texas SC contract in January of 2025 at 16 years of age.
Marlon Luccin – Madrid, Spain
The son of former FC Dallas player, assistant coach, and interim head coach Peter Luccin. Signed a two-season MLS NP deal in 2025 with a 2027 option.
Nico Montoya – Antioquia, Colombia
Joined FCD’s Academy while living near Cincinnati. Signed a two-season MLS NP deal in 2025 with a 2027 option.
Thomas Burchfield
Former Austin FC Academy keeper signed a 2-year Next Pro deal (plus 2028 option) to join NTSC (and the FCD Academy).
Jonah Gibson
Made his NTSC debut as an academy player in 2024. Signed a one-year Next Pro deal in 2026.
