FC Dallas leads Major League Soccer with five Home Grown players on their roster. Over the next few weeks these young men will be competing with returning players, draftees and trialists to convince the FCD coaching staff they are deserving of playing time.  Each week FCDallas.com will be bringing you updates on how your Home Growns are performing this preseason.  The first week of training got off to a slow start thanks to the abnormally icy weather the Metroplex experienced, but FC Dallas still managed to get in a few sessions.

Tuesday, February 8:

Ruben Luna, Forward – Luna has already been scoring frequently in this young preseason.  He spent the first week of FC Dallas’ preseason with the team in Frisco, in between stints with the U-20 Mexican National Team.  His time with the Mexican U-20s appears to have boosted his confidence and, as FC Dallas broadcaster Bobby Rhine was overheard to say, “this kid wants to play yesterday.”  Through week one Luna appears to be a legitimate option at the striker position for head coach Schellas Hyndman, but only time will tell.  He left over the weekend to rejoin the Mexican U-20s and will be back with FCD next week.

Bryan Leyva, Midfielder – Leyva has done well in scrimmages this preseason.  He has had multiple runs up the field, produced a handful of scoring chances, and earned assists on a couple of training goals.  The skill Leyva has shown in training is evidence of why he was FCD’s first Home Grown signing.

Moises Hernandez, Defender – Hernandez hasn’t particularly stood out in the few training sessions FC Dallas has had thus far, but he hasn’t been victimized either, which is important for a defender.  He’s also done well to make runs up field from his left back position and spur on the offense without getting caught too far up field.  Hernandez has looked solid and reliable on the defense so far this preseason.

Victor Ulloa, Midfielder – Ulloa also hasn’t been able to break through offensively yet, but he has shown some solid defensive play in week one.  He’s made a couple of steals in the midfield to keep the attack out of his own end.  Ulloa’s also shown the ability to make runs up field with the ball and he’s been at the top of the pack when it comes to fitness.  He came in fourth this weekend in the team’s two-mile run test.  Even this early in the preseason, Ulloa’s work ethic has shone through and he has shown that he’s dedicated to earning his spot.

Jonathan Top, Forward – Top hasn’t been able to practice in training sessions due to a pending physical.