MLS FC Dallas

FC Dallas Juniors U-16 Forward Ruben Luna Named U-15/16 Development Academy Player of the Year

Published on July 15, 2009 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Dallas News Release


FRISCO, Texas (Wednesday, July 15, 2009) - U.S. Soccer announced today that FC Dallas Juniors U-16 forward Ruben Luna has been named U-15/16 Development Academy Player of the Year. The award, revealed on the final day of group play at Finals Week in Carson, Calif., was voted upon by Development Academy clubs, U.S. Soccer National Staff Coaches and technical advisors.

"We are very proud that Ruben Luna has been named U-15/16 Development Academy Player of the Year," said FC Dallas Director of Youth Player Development Oscar Pareja. "The award is a direct result of Ruben's hard work to continue developing as a player, and of his tremendous commitment to his team and the Juniors program. This is truly an honor, not only for Ruben, but for the entire FC Dallas organization."

The Garland-native was impressive throughout the Development Academy season, scoring 38 goals in 27 games, amounting to 48 percent of his team's total goals. Luna's nose for the goal helped lead the FCD Juniors U-16s to an 18-3-7 regular season record and a berth in Finals Week, currently taking place at The Home Depot Center in Carson, where he netted a goal in Monday's 3-0 shutout of the New York Red Bulls.

Luna becomes the second member of the FC Dallas Juniors program to be recognized with a national Development Academy award this week, following Pareja's U-17/18 Coach of the Year award, announced Tuesday. In addition to his duties with the U-18 Juniors squad, Pareja also serves as co-head coach of Luna's U-16 team, along with Chris Hayden.

The FC Dallas Juniors U-16 team, who are 1-1 thus far during Finals Week, will conclude group play tonight against the Chicago Magic AS Monaco (9 p.m. CT at The Home Depot Center). Finals Week features the top eight teams in each the U-15/16 and U-17/18 age groups determined over the course of a nine-month Development Academy season. Visit www.ussoccer.com for complete tournament schedule, standings and results.

FC Dallas Juniors U-16 Finals Week Group Schedule:

Sat. July 11 - FC Dallas vs. Derby County Wolves, 3-1 loss

Mon. July 13 - FC Dallas vs. New York Red Bulls, 3-0 win

Wed. July 15 - FC Dallas vs. Chicago Magic AS Monaco (9 p.m. CT, Home Depot Center Field #1)

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