NEW YORK — FC Dallas forward Jesus Ferreira, whose father David Ferreira was the MLS MVP in 2010, has been named the 2022 MLS Young Player of the Year.
The award honours the top player in the league age 22 and under. Players born on, or before, Jan. 1, 2000, were eligible for selection.
The 21-year-old FC Dallas academy product won 32.4 per cent of the vote, beating out Atlanta United FC''s Argentine attacking midfielder Thiago Almada (17.27 per cent) and FC Cincinnati's Brazilian forward Brenner (8.17 per cent).
The award is voted on by MLS club technical staff, media, and current MLS players. Dallas' Ricardo Pepi won in 2021.
Ferreira tied the Dallas record for goals in a season with 18, joining Kenny Cooper (18 in 2008) and Jason Kreis (18 in 1999).
His 18 goals are the third most by an MLS player prior to turning 22, behind only Stern John (26 in 1998) and Mamadou Diallo (22 in 2000). His 18 goals were also tied for the most non-penalty kick goals in MLS this season.
Ferreira had five multi-goal games in 2022, tied for the second-most in the league. His first career hat trick, against the Portland Timbers on March 19, saw Ferreira scored three goals in the span of 10 minutes.
In 2022, he also became the second player in MLS history to record at least 30 goals and 20 assists before turning 22, joining Diego Fagundez (34 goals, 24 assists). His 36 goals are already tied with Blas Perez for the third most in FC Dallas history.
Ferreira was eight when he joined the Dallas academy and was the youngest debutant in club history at 16 years 161 days old in June 2017. He became the first homegrown player in Dallas history to sign as a designated player prior to the 2022 season.
Ferreira also excelled with the U.S. national team this year, scored four goals in a CONCACAF Nations League match against Grenada in June. His five goals in 2022 are the most by a U.S. national team player.
Almada is also up for the league's Newcomer of the Year Award, against Cucho Hernandez of the Columbus Crew and Djordje Petrovic of the New England Revolution.
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 18, 2022
The Canadian Press
