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Six Texas Standouts to Represent FC Dallas at "Final Event" of Sueño MLS

April 18, 2011 - Major League Soccer (MLS) News Release


DALLAS (Monday, April 18, 2011) - Major League Soccer and FC Dallas announced today the names of five talented young field players and one "Good Hands©" top goalkeeper - El Portero Allstate finalist who will represent the team at the national "Final Event" of Sueño MLS 2011 - presented by Allstate. The nationally-televised player search is showcased on "República Deportiva," the popular Univision weekly Spanish-language sports show that chronicles the tryouts in a "reality show within a show" format.

The six Texas standouts are:

Name Position Age Hometown

Reyes Espino Midfielder 15 Pharr, TX

Brian Garcia Center Mid. 13 Dallas, TX

Jose Hernandez Center Forward 15 Dallas, TX

Giovanni Moreno Defender 14 Fort Worth, TX

Anthony Ortega Center Mid. 16 Dallas, TX

Anthony Hall Goalkeeper 16 Dallas, TX

The six players, whose personal stories were featured on "República Deportiva" this past Sunday, fought their way past more than 400 competitors in an open tryout to earn a week-long trial with the FC Dallas Academy, and a trip to the "Final Event."

Now celebrating its fifth year, Sueño MLS 2011 - presented by Allstate is staged by three MLS clubs, including first-time host, Philadelphia Union, as well as returning hosts Chicago Fire and FC Dallas. Up to 400 tryout spots are made available at each city on a first come, first served basis.

In each city, players are battling for one of five invitations to a week-long trial with their respective youth development host club and an invitation to the exciting four-day "Final Event" which will be staged for the first time in the greater Dallas area. The finals will include training sessions, scrimmages, guest celebrity scouts, and an opportunity to meet some of the League's biggest stars. The ultimate champion will be crowned on Sunday, May 8, live on "República Deportiva" (see calendar below for more information).

New to Sueño MLS for 2011 is the Allstate "Good Hands©" top goalkeeper award - El Portero Allstate. One goalkeeper at each of the three local tryouts will be selected as the top goalkeeper, and at least two of the three will be chosen to join the other local finalists at the national final. "El Portero Allstate" will be selected in addition to the Sueño MLS 2011 - presented by Allstate champion.

MLS partners participating in Sueño MLS 2011- presented by Allstate, also include adidas, Degree Men, Gatorade, Pepsi and Volkswagen.

ABOUT THE DALLAS FINALISTS:

Reyes Espino (Midfielder - 15 years-old - Pharr, TX)

Among the six FC Dallas finalists, Reyes is the one who traveled the farthest to make his dream come true. From Pharr, Texas - approximately 10 hours from Frisco (home of FC Dallas) - Reyes is a creative midfielder, who during the tryouts made very good decisions on the ball and showed great vision on the field.

Brian García (Center Midfielder - 13 years-old - Dallas, TX)

Brian was born in Querétaro, Mexico, and started playing soccer at the age of six. He goes to Frankford Middle School, and despite his age, he left a big impression with the FC Dallas scouts. His father, Alberto "El Guamerú" García, played professionally for Mexican clubs Monterrey and Chivas, while also suiting-up for the Mexican National Team. According to FC Dallas Academy coaches, Brian reminds them of former FC Dallas Colombian Midfielder Juan Toja. He has great skill with both feet. NOTE: Brian was born in 1997 and will turn 14 this year, making him eligible to participate.

José Hernández (Center Forward - 15 years-old - Dallas, TX)

Born in Mexico, José is a tall center-forward who is a constant threat in the attack. He started playing soccer at the age of five and currently attends Thomas Jefferson High School. He regularly plays against older youth players and adults, who admire his scoring abilities and dribbling skills. He is a natural goal-scorer, and possesses outstanding technical ability.

Giovanni Moreno (Sweeper - 14 years-old - Fort Worth, TX)

Giovanni was the second youngest player at the FC Dallas tryouts, but made an impact with his height. What struck the coaches most was his ability to play well at several different positions, and his ability to play with both feet. He attends Morningside Middle School, and according to Giovanni, Sueño MLS is the biggest thing that has ever happened to him.

Anthony Ortega (Center Midfielder - 16 years-old - Dallas, TX)

Anthony stood out for his enthusiasm during the trials. FC Dallas scouts noted his intelligence on the pitch and ability in the air. He was widely recognized as the top defensive midfielder at the FC Dallas tryouts. He plays varsity soccer for Woodrow Wilson High School and indoor soccer for a local club.

Anthony Hall (Goalkeeper - 16 years-old- Dallas, TX) - Local FC Dallas winner of Allstate "Good Hands©" top goalkeeper award - El Portero Allstate

Anthony was recognized as the best goalkeeper at the FC Dallas local tryouts, and will compete for the Allstate "Good Hands©" top goalkeeper award at the national "Final Event". A student at Bryan Adams High School, he once managed to stop four penalty kicks during the final match of a youth championship, allowing his team to win the competition. A tall and very vocal goalkeeper, his ability to lead and organize the defense from his goal impressed the scouting group. Anthony reached the local semifinals of Sueño MLS Houston in 2010.

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