Ratings
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average, don’t follow up
Player profile:
- Nationality: American
- Age: 19
- Date of birth: 24/12/2000
- Current Club: FC Dallas
- Career: FC Dallas, Tulsa Roughnecks (L)
- Position: Striker
- Secondary position: 10 / Central Midfield
- Preferred foot: Right
Playing as one of three central midfielders on the day, Ferreira had a good game that was marred by an unfortunate mistake. The American showed a good level of aggression when pressing, always threatening to win the ball high up the field and giving the opposition little time to think. He made some important tackles and interceptions to win possession in midfield, making him one of the more proactive players for FC Dallas.
In possession, Ferreira played some nice passes and looked to create when going forward even if it didn’t always come off. He was composed when dropping deep to collect the ball, but this composure turned into a lack of concentration at times as he gave the ball away, culminating in him being at fault for Montreal’s second goal. The 5’8″ midfielder seemed confident when dribbling and drove well at the defence, timing his release of the ball effectively for the most part. Another promising aspect of his match was his positioning as he looked to find some spaces beyond the opposition midfield to good effect and collected the ball well on the turn. He also made some nice delayed runs that ended in him almost finding the back of the net.
The American worked very hard and used his body well in challenges, in a game where he was his team’s most effective player for long periods before being withdrawn with 20 minutes to go.
Rating: A2
Player profile:
- Nationality: American
- Age: 20
- Date of birth: 17/12/1999
- Current Club: FC Dallas
- Career: FC Dallas
- Position: 10 (AM)
- Secondary position: Central Midfield / Right Wing
- Preferred foot: Left
Joining Ferreira as part of the three man midfield, Paxton Pomykal struggled to influence the game at times, but still showed great promise. In possession, Pomykal grew into the game and as it began to open up he became more effective. He made some neat first time passes and for the most part linked up well with his teammates, always scanning to find his next pass. When carrying the ball, the American showed good ability and whipped in some dangerous deliveries. However, he also seemed a bit too nonchalant at times, having some loose passes picked off and being caught in possession on a couple of occasions. The 20 year old struggled to find space to operate in dangerous areas or to find many progressive passes, especially in the first half and this hindered his performance.
Although he is quite small at 5’8″, he makes up for this lack of physicality defensively through his work rate and energy, often pressing high up the field and hassling the opposition with aggression, making some good challenges. Despite his young age, Pomykal showed some impressive leadership qualities, barking instructions at his teammates and really trying to dictate the way his team played even when he wasn’t in possession. He could be seen deep in conversation with the rest of his team as he tried to orchestrate moves and get his team up the field.
Overall, although Pomykal didn’t have a great game in possession, the youngster made an important contribution to his side.
Rating: B1
Player profile:
- Nationality: American
- Age: 21
- Date of birth: 11/06/1998
- Current Club: FC Dallas
- Career: FC Dallas
- Position: Right Back
- Preferred foot: Right
Right back Reggie Cannon had quite a quiet yet productive game down the right hand side for FC Dallas. The right back hardly put a foot wrong for the most part with the exception of one rash tackle, a loose pass and an overhit cross. He provided plenty of width and his passing was accurate and well calculated, rarely giving up possession. He drove well with the ball at his feet and his end product was consistently to a high standard for the most part. As FC Dallas chased the game in the second half, Cannon was allowed to push up higher and this made him much more threatening in the final third.
Defensively, he made smart decisions when pressing as to not get caught out and aside from one miscommunication he rarely had an issue. The 5’11” American showed a good burst of pace and strength in the tackle and was relentless when tracking up and down the right wing.
Overall, a solid performance from Cannon who, like his team, grew into the game as it progressed.
Rating: A2
Target Scouting 