Few MLS academies have been as successful – in terms of both talent development and results – as FC Dallas’ and the North Texans added another feather to their cap over US Thanksgiving weekend with some noteworthy performances in the Copa Rayados Internacional tournament in Houston.
FCD’s youngest full academy side, their Under-13 squad, won their age-group division at the event, organized by Mexican powerhouse CF Monterrey and featuring a litany of international teams – and a familiar face led the way.
Longtime Real Salt Lake playmaker Javier Morales, who starred for the Utah club from 2007-16 and helped them win the 2009 MLS Cup, finished his playing career with Dallas and now coaches FCD’s U-13s.
His team defeated their opposite numbers from Liga MX club Queretaro in the Copa Rayados group stage, then advanced to the tournament final via wins over US opponents Weston FC, the Houston Dynamo and Sporting KC. They vanquished Monterrey in the championship game, taking revenge for a group-stage loss to Los Rayados.
Dallas' U-15 side also took part in the tournament, defeating teams from Monterrey and Atlas and drawing with Toluca in the event’s “Supergroup” en route to a win in the “Silver Final.”
