The #PlayYourKids movement is starting to really gain momentum in MLS for 2019, and Saturday’s match between the Philadelphia Union and FC Dallas is a battle between two of the foremost proponents in the movement.
Both head coach for the Philadelphia Union, Jim Curtin, and FC Dallas, Luchi Gonzalez, know the academy systems well, as both were promoted from the academy to the first team not as players, but as coaches.
Curtin has been head coach of the Union for about five years (since 2014), while Gonzalez is in his first season as head coach, having been promoted from the youth academy just this year.
Curtin’s previous experience developed relationships with some of the current first teamers such as Brenden Aaronson and Auston Trusty when the two were kids. Curtin coached Aaronson when he was as young as eight years old.
The experiences in the academy for both coaches has led to an influx of youth products for both clubs.
“You’re seeing a lot more teenagers out there,” Curtin said., “and they aren’t just out there, they are impact games in a big way.”
Armchair Analyst: It's like somebody threw a switch, and suddenly young, mostly Homegrown attackers are getting @MLS minutes in 2019. And it's a *huge* data point that the league's heading in the right directionhttps://t.co/CSd7Vym3hu pic.twitter.com/8ZPMzj3oWu
— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) April 1, 2019
For FC Dallas, Paxton Pomykal and Jesus Ferriera are responsible for three goals, three assists and 566 minutes, while for the Union, Brenden Aaronson has one goal and 244 minutes (Anthony Fontana has 9 minutes played).
Just these two clubs are responsible for four of the twelve players, four of the six goals, three of the five assists, and 819 of the 1185 minutes (69 percent of the minutes.)
“I think it’s great for the league that you’re seeing young guys that are not out on the field playing – I call them roll-player positions – maybe outside back, center back that have produced good American talent,” Curtin said. “I think everyone gets a little more excited when it’s an attacking player, both of those guys (Pomykal and Aaronson) can get goals and assists, and are exciting to watch play.”
But outside of the teenagers, FC Dallas’s home grown players include Reggie Cannon (315 minutes) and Jesse Gonzalez (all 450 minutes). The Union have Auston Trusty (all 45o minutes) also as a homegrown, with Mark Mckenzie fighting for a first-team spot.
However, the focus for Saturday’s match will be the midfield match up between the two teenagers, Aaronson and Pomykal.
“They’re dominating games right now against really good competition,” Curtin said. “Paxton is one of the key guys we’re scouting right now and preparing for – disrupting him and his ability to start their attack, go box-to-box, and break up plays.”
With Jamiro Monteiro receiving his debut a the end of the Union’s win over FC Cincinnati, there is now more competition for Aaronson to earn a starting spot. He has shown the ability to play on the left side of the diamond and as the 10 on the top.
With Fabian back from suspension, and scoring in the last match, Aaronson will likely have to compete with Monteiro for that last midfield spot.
The way Curtin speaks about Aaronson, and just on his performance the past three matches as well, the teenage midfielder will likely start the match once again for Curtin, and probably end up face-to-face with Pomykal.
“It’s great to see young, talented players and it’s great to see another club like FC Dallas that believes in putting young players out on the field and not just talking about it,” Curtin said. “They have a several year head start on us in terms of academy but at the same time I think we’re two of the leaders in that ares.”
Dallas started its academy in 2008, while the Union unveiled its own in 2013.
While there are many other clubs making great strides in youth development – Red Bulls, Salt Lake City, Galaxy and several others – the match between the Union and FC Dallas is a battle between two clubs that have made youth its first priority.
That can be seen in the minutes that teenagers are getting for either squad, it can be seen in the head coaches career path, and it can be seen in how each club values the experience given to youth players.
“Luchi has played a lot of young guys, I’ve played a lot of young guys, it’s going to be a great game,” Curtin said, “but those two (Pomykal and Aaronson) are certainly two young players that get the U.S. [fans]excited about the future of where the game is moving.”
