MLS released the first 12 names of its annual 22 Under 22 list with FC Dallas expected to feature heavily.
Brandon Servania was named at number 18 as FC Dallas’ sole representative for the first day.
The 20-year-old midfielder experienced a difficult start to 2019 as Edwin Cerrillo leaped ahead of Servania off the back of an impressive preseason. With only two minutes played through the first 15 games, the turning point for the Alabama native was a long way from Frisco in Poland.
Both Servania and Cerrillo were named to Tab Ramos’ roster for the U-20 World Cup. Ramos favored Servania’s performances in training and rewarded him with appearances in four of the five games the US played. Servania also scored the first American goal in the tournament against the Ukraine. Upon landing back in DFW, Servania played two US Open Cup games, scoring in the 2-1 loss to New Mexico United.
From then on Servania became a crucial part of Luchi Gonzalez’s lineup, only missing one of the final 21 games in all competitions as he suffered a concussion against New York City FC. He finished the season with three goals and one assist.
MLS will reveal the remaining ten names on Wednesday at 1PM. A further three names are expected to be included in MLS’ top-ten in Paxton Pomykal, Reggie Cannon, and Jesus Ferreira. The four homegrowns were each named to a 22 Under 22 fan vote earlier in the week. Servania landed at 21st and Ferreira 12th, while Cannon and Pomykal were named 3rd and 4th respectively.
The 22 Under 22 list is decided by MLS staff in addition to six technical staff members and two players from MLS teams. Fabian Castillo and Brek Shea have both topped the list in its previous form, 24 Under 24. Reggie Cannon was FC Dallas’ highest entry last year as he was named seventh in his breakout year.