After Brandon Servania was named to MLS’ annual 22 Under 22 list yesterday, the league announced its top ten with three further FCD Homegrowns: Jesus Ferreira, Reggie Cannon, and Paxton Pomykal.
Jesus Ferreira #9
Jesus Ferreira was named first at ninth. The team’s top scorer in 2019, Ferreira was one of only two players to be named to the game-day roster in each of FC Dallas’ 37 games. Ryan Hollingshead played in all 37, while Ferreira remained on the bench in the second game of the MLS regular season to finish second in games played.
After starting his first game against Colorado in late-march, the 18-year-old scored three goals in his next four games to cement his place as the starting striker through the first half of the season. The second half of the year saw Ferreira transition to the number 10 spot as Luchi Gonzalez cited his ability to break between lines and find space better than anyone on the roster.
Ferreira recently received his US citizenship, but it still awaiting paperwork to allow him to play for the US national teams. He has been called up to U-20 camps and was expected to be part of the US Olympic qualifying effort.
Reggie Cannon #5
Reggie Cannon is up two spots from last year as he was named fifth. The 21-year-old has built on a breakout year to establish himself as a US Men’s National Team regular and one of the best full-backs in MLS.
Cannon contributed two goals for FC Dallas in 2019, most notably scoring the first goal as the team came back from a two-goal deficit in the 4-3 extra-time loss in Seattle that ended their season.
The 21-year-old made eight appearances for the USMNT, including two full games with Mexico and a start against Uruguay. Cannon beat out Nick Lima to win the start through the majority of the Gold Cup as the US finished runners up Mexico. His performances have resulted in talk of a $5m+ move to Europe. Cannon is currently in the process of negotiating a new contract with FCD.
Paxton Pomykal #3
Paxton Pomykal cracked the top three, finishing ahead of Brian Rodriguez who many felt deserved the number one spot. Pomykal has been the face of the franchise, providing much of the attacking emphasis through the early teething problems with Luchi-ball.
Pomykal captained the US at the U-20 World Cup, earned his first cap with the USMNT in September’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay, and made an appearance for the MLS All-Stars against Atletico Madrid. A lingering hamstring injury restricted Pomykal through much of the year.
The 19-year-old recently signed a new four-year contract with an average salary reported to be in the region of $650,000. His position in the team is currently up for debate as Luchi Gonzalez attempts to define his role in the side. We have seen him train as more of a traditional eight than the free-eight that he spent much of the season playing.