The third annual TDS event in Dallas was our first installment of the rebranded TDS Unsigned Showcase. The event brought in well over a dozen coaches and some of the top talent from across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and others. It was a cool, windy day at UT Dallas, but the players took advantage of the opportunity to highlight themselves in front of a wide array of programs. These are the boys who stood out on the day

Interested in playing in front of college coaches and earning a spot on a TDS Showcase Best XI list? Check out all of the information on upcoming showcases. 

TDS Showcase Dallas Boys Best XI:

GK – Lamarr Meza, Real Madrid AC (TX), 2016: Meza stands out amongst his peers due to his size and presence, both on and off the pitch. He has great size for a goalkeeper and surprisingly quick feet. Meza is strong when coming of his line and showed a very good understanding of when to punch or catch. He is confident in his abilities, but is not overzealous.

DF – Alejandro Contreras, Harlandale High School, 2016: Contreras is an exciting outside back who loves to get forward. He sees the field well and has a keen eye for a pass. Contreras occasionally got caught forward but showed good speed to get back in to position. If he continues to improve his decision making and speed of play, Contreras will become a fine player at the next level.

DF – Asa Graham, Texas Rush, 2017: Graham is a conventional right back who consistently showed smart positioning and understanding of the game throughout the showcase. He is a very physical player but rarely commits fouls. Graham links play well and always keeps things simple. Graham’s combination of team and defense first mentalities makes him a player that any backline could put faith in.

DF – Nickolas Sepulveda, Dallas Texans, 2016: Sepulveda was the best center back at the showcase due to his no-nonsense approach and leadership skills. He is a true leader on the backline, communicating and directing his teammates well. He is great in a tackle; always willing to get stuck in. Sepulveda showed a great understanding of when to step and when to drop off. He has a good enough touch and always looks to move the ball out of defense and in to the feet of playmakers. 

MF - Ben Barkley, Tulsa United, 2017: Barkley showed great versatility throughout the showcase, playing up top and throughout the midfield. He uses his size well and consistently had a clean first touch. Barkley cemented himself in this Best XI with a cracking 30 yard shot to the top corner which he expertly dipped far from the keepers grasp during the full field games. 

MF - Anthony Cantu, Houston Express SC, 2017: Cantu is yet another team player who showed great versatility throughout the showcase. He was deployed both in central midfield and at center back. When deployed on the back line, Cantu stepped up well and showed great leadership skills. In the midfield, he showed a great ability to pick out a pass and link play.

MF – Ivan Franco, N/A, 2018: Franco is a true midfield general, an organizer who allows his team to play within themselves and never get caught out. He communicates incredibly well and consistently throughout the match. Franco is a smart player and reads the flow of the game well. A majority of his passes are lateral or backwards, but he keeps play moving and always looks to keep possession. 

MF – Alberto Martinez, Texans SC Houston, 2017: Martinez was deployed in the center of the park throughout the full field games. He constantly controlled play, both defensively and going forward. He possesses well and has a wide array of passes in his arsenal. Martinez had a long distance strike that caught everyone by surprise, everyone but the keeper that is who narrowly made a fingertip save. Martinez should continue to improve his vision/IQ, but he has all of the potential to become a quality all-around player.

MF – Ryan Smith, Dynamos SC, 2016: Smith is a true team player who is always willing to put in the extra effort. He has good size and can be deployed in a variety of midfield roles. Smith showed excellent soccer IQ and a very coachable personality. He is quick, both with and without the ball, and often used his first touch to relieve pressure or bring teammates in to play.

F – Adam Habib, Tulsa United, 2017: Habib is an incredibly confident young player who has a left foot that is cultured beyond its years. Cut from the mold of a Messi or Robben, Habib constantly runs at players and expertly glides past them with silky caresses of his left boot. He is a confident player who has quite a bit of creativity and a nose for goal.

F – Anthony Sandoval, Express SC (TX), 2017: Sandoval is an incredibly quick attacker who constantly looks to link with teammates. He has a few tricks in his bag, but finds most of his success when playing one-twos with a midfielder or main striker. Sandoval has a good, clean touch which allows him to play simple and at pace. He is a great team player who doesn’t seem to need the spotlight to impact a game.

 

Honorable Mentions-

GK - Austin Wormell, TSC Hurricane, 2017

GK – Brady O'Donald, Solar Chelsea SC, 2018

MF- Austen Medellin, Classics Elite, 2017

MF- Jeremy Smith, FC Premier (TX), 2016

F – Marcelo Gaitan, Texas Tomahawks FC, 2016