Several players familiar to fans of the first team are leading the charge as FC Dallas' top academy team looks to become the first MLS team to lift the boot-shaped trophy given to the Dallas Cup Super Group champ.
Teenage homegrown players Paxton Pomykal, Jesus Ferreira and Reggie Cannon have rejoined their under-18 teammates and helped FCD qualify for Friday's semifinals by getting through group play unscathed.
"It always has little different parts, but it's kind of the same," said Ferreira, who assisted on the lone goal in a victory over Maccabi Haifa. "We all play the same style as the pros in the academy, so it's not a big change.