FC Dallas midfielder Bryan Leyva has been called up by the Mexican Under-17 Men's National Team for participation in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria. Leyva is currently with the national team in Spain playing final tune-up matches before the World Cup kicks off on Oct. 24.
"Everyone at FC Dallas was excited to hear the news that Bryan was selected for the Mexican Youth National Team," said General Manager Michael Hitchcock. "We're very proud of Bryan for making it to the U-17 World Cup in Nigeria. We know Bryan will be a great representative of FC Dallas on this international stage and wish him all the best in what promises to be an incredible experience."
Leyva has been training with the Mexican U-17 team since being signed by FC Dallas on Sept. 15 from the club's youth development system, this is the midfielder's first official cap with his birth country's team. Leyva, born in Chihuahua, Mexico, came to the United States in 2000 and is a U.S. Resident.
Mexico will open against Switzerland on Oct. 24 before facing Brazil on Oct. 27 and rounding out group play against Japan on Oct. 30. Mexico had previously won the U-17 World Cup in 2005 and has participated in eight of the 12 FIFA U-17 World Cup tournaments.
FC Dallas will play the final two games of the regular-season on Oct. 17 against the Colorado Rapids at home and Oct. 24 against the Seattle Sounders at Qwest Field. The team is currently two points out of the final playoff spot.
