FC Dallas: 3 key players to watch in 2020

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CARSON, CA – FEBRUARY 1: Jesus Ferreira #10 of the United States during the international friendly match between the United States and Costa Rica at the Dignity Health Sports Park on February 1, 2020 in Carson, California. The United States won the match 1-0. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /

In 2020, FC Dallas are hoping to return to the playoffs while bleeding some young players into the first team. Here are three key players to watch.

FC Dallas finished a disappointing seventh in the MLS Western Conference last year. Luchi Gonzalez’s team recorded their joint-lowest MLS finish in five years but managed to snatch the seventh-place qualification spot for the playoffs. They were knocked out in the first round by the Seattle Sounders.

This season promises to be much more prosperous. In Gonzalez’s second year in charge, he will look to further implement his style of play — ‘Luchi-ball’ as fans have dubbed it — and will hope for a higher finish in the Western Conference after a strong preseason and some fresh faces coming through the door.

light. Related Story. Seattle Sounders: 5 key players to watch

With that in mind, here are three FC Dallas players to look out for in 2020.

CARSON, CA – AUGUST 14: FC Dallas head coach Luchi Gonzalez prior to the Los Angeles Galaxy’s MLS match against FC Dallas at the Dignity Health Sports Park on August 14, 2019 in Carson, California. Los Angeles Galaxy defeated FC Dallas 2-0. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images) /

3. Manuel Ferriol

Manuel Ferriol was FC Dallas’ third pick in the second round of last month’s 2020 MLS SuperDraft and looks to be a really good find by Dallas and Gonzalez.

He began his career in his native Spain with Levante before joining James Madison University in Virginia. He spent four years at JMU and in 46 starts he racked up 30 goals and 10 assists. Impressive numbers, even if you concede the disparity in quality between the college game and MLS play.

Ferriol, 21, scooped a host of awards in his senior year at JMU including the 2019 CAA Player of the Year and will be looking to break into the FC Dallas first team. And if there is a team that is willing to play young players if they prove they are ready, it is Luchi Gonzalez’s Dallas.

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