If you’re a fan of FC Dallas or a follower of US Soccer, then you are most likely very familiar with the name Kellyn Acosta. However, for those who don’t follow FC Dallas or US Soccer, the name is most likely not one you know. But that should change.
After joining the FC Dallas youth academy as a 13 year old, the Plano native starred and earned a professional contract at 16. He made his professional debut in the 2013 and after an injury plagued 2014 season, he found himself in a new role at a new position for the 2015 season.
Kellyn has developed into a week in week out starter and it seams that each year he reaches new heights, which is exactly what you want to see from a young player. However, this year seems to be the real breakout year for him with what has been called on Twitter “#TheYearOfKellyn”
This season we’ve seen Kellyn bag three goals and two assists in MLS play, as well as three more goals in the 2016-2017 CONCACAF Champions League, where he played a vital part in FC Dallas making the semi-finals. While these don’t seem like huge numbers, it does make Kellyn the leading goal scorer in MLS at his position of central midfield, where goals aren’t all that common.
But the real noise coming from #TheYearOfKellyn has been due to his breakthrough with the US National Team. While Kellyn has represented the US at the U17, U18, U20, and U23 level, those appearances came mainly at the fullback position and not his preferred central midfield. However, with Bruce Arena taking over the national team, we’ve finally seen a commitment to play Kellyn at his preferred position and it has let him thrive.
Acosta showed well in the pivotal World Cup Qualifier in Mexico where the US pulled out a draw and a vital point. In the last match Kellyn scored the game winning goal against Ghana with a beautiful free kick, giving him his first goal with the national team.
As we gear up for this Summer’s CONCACAF Gold Cup, Kellyn is shaping up to be one of the stars of the tournament and looking to help
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