The other MLS Next “years of emphasis” team, the U16s of FC Dallas that is taking part in the GA Cup at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, from April 12th to the 20th.
FC Dallas U16s
Head Coach: Adam Wells
Currently in 1st Place in the MLS Next U16 Central (South) Division with 2.18 PPG (8-3-0).
The Buzz List
Here are some dudes in this group that I find intriguing. (In alphabetical order)
Steel Cook – A US U15. Made youngest North Texas SC debut in club history. Nominally a 10 but can false-9 or wing. He was named to the MLS GA Cup Rising XI. String-pulling playmaker.
Jordyn Eason – The 2nd most dangerous attacking force on this team and – depending on who you ask – maybe the best prospect. A dynamic striker/winger. He’s an absolute handful. US and Mexico U16.
Trey Glosson – Tall, pacy, slashing, dangerous wing. You can’t teach speed. Terrific recruit from Solar SC.
Saul Rios – Goalkeeper, originally from FCD El Paso. I’ve not seen him a lot, but he recently started training with North Texas SC. That’s usually a fast-track sign at this age.
Christian Wygant – A versatile player who FCD shifts all over depending on need. Nominally listed as a 6, but I’ve seen him CB and RB. Had had first team invites and plays up some in the Academy.
FC Dallas U16 Roster for 2025 GA Cup
This roster was obtained from FC Dallas and should be locked in. But you never know, FCD could change the assignments at the last minute.
These kids are all 2009s.
| No. | Name | Pos. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zach Wells | G | Over 6′ at 15. With FCD Academy since U12. |
| 2 | Kaleb Panozzo | RB | With FCD Academy since U12. Plays some with ECNL Red. |
| 4 | Mark Drygas | CB | With FCD Academy since U12. Plays some with ECNL Red. |
| 5 | Ahmad Odom | CB | Good all-around center back. My favorite “pure” CB in this group. Class of 28. |
| 7 | Jordyn Eason | W | Super dangerous attacker. Joined FCD in 22-23 from LAFC. US U16 & Mexico U16. |
| 8 | Pedro Dias | 8 | Joined FCD in 23-24 from San Francisco Glens. |
| 9 | Diego Cruz | RB | Formally a winger, converted to RB, kept the 9. |
| 10 | Steel Cook | 10/F | US U15. Ball handeling wizard. Class of 28. |
| 11 | Diego Echevarria | W | “Echy.” Puerto Rico U17/16/15/14. |
| 12 | Erick Vargas | 8/W | What a journey, left FCD for Solar, then to DKSC, and back with FCD for 23-24. |
| 15 | Kyle Velazquez | 8 | 22-23 addition from Solar SC. |
| 16 | Sebastian Aragundi | CM | With FCD since U12. Ecuador eligible. |
| 17 | Christian Wygant | RB/CB/6 | Joined FCD in 22-23. Versatile, plays all over. Even emergency keeper. 1st team training invite. |
| 18 | Zac Fumtim | RB | With FCD since U12. |
| 19 | Luke Martey | RB | Promoted from FCD ECNL in 22-23. Versatile 6/8/W/LB. |
| 25 | Austin Chukwu | W | Joined FCD in 22-23 from Alves, Spain. |
| 48 | Trey Glosson | W | New to FCD for 2024-25 from Solar SC. Slashing wing. |
| 52 | Albin Williams | 9 | New to FCD for 24-25 from Young Sports in Germany. Former US ODP National Team. Goal poaching 9. |
| 54 | Anderson Grimm | LB | New to FCD for 24-25 from Solar SC. Younger brother of FCD Academy grad Mason Grimm. |
| 59 | Dom Salm | W | Joined FCD in 23-24 from La TDP Elite. RB converted to wing. |
| 60 | Saul Rios | G | (Rios-Ponce). From FC Dallas El Paso. US/Mex eligible. NTSC training. |
GA Cup Schedule – Group E
Central time.
| Date | Time | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 12 | 8 am | Vancouver Whitecaps | IMG Academy 13 |
| April 13 | 8 am | New York Red Bulls | IMG Academy 3 |
| April 14 | 8 am | Nashville SC | IMG Academy 3 |