Let's talk about Sam Sarver
Sarver had a historic weekend, scoring 4 goals to help North Texas SC crush SKC II and then earning a penalty kick for FC Dallas. What does this mean for his future?
On Friday night, with North Texas Soccer Club needing to turn the page after a disappointing loss to Dynamo Dos, attacker Sam Sarver stepped up as he has done before. Already leading the team in goals, Sarver put the squad on his back with 4 goals against Sporting Kansas City 2, a feat that pushed him to the top of all MLS Next Pro goal scorers, and secured a big win away from home.
“We knew he was going to be special before we even drafted him. We might not have him for much longer but that is what we are here for, to help develop our players. He is not only reaping the rewards for the goals he’s scoring, but he is also putting it in a shift. He’s doing the things we’re asking him to defensively. He’s putting himself in good spots,” North Texas SC head coach John Gall told media after the match.
Indeed around 24 hours later, Sarver flew/zipped/sped back to Frisco and played a big part in FC Dallas’ 3-0 dismantling of St Louis City. His energy and enthusiasm billowed as he drew a penalty kick in the final minutes, leading to Petar Musa’s brace. He’s gone viral among the FC Dallas fanbase for seizing the moment and firing up the crowd.
The MLS 360 crew even had him on to celebrate his big 24 hours.
Gall’s message is clear - as much as North Texas needs Sarver, he’s simply too good for MLS Next Pro.
Yes, the writing is on the wall.
Sarver was drafted by FC Dallas in their typical thorough process as the 41st pick out of Indiana University. Gall has told Afterburn Soccer in the past that he is one of those in the organization that focuses on the draft, looking for those players who fall through the cracks, and it looks like Sarver did. While he is a product of the Crew academy and enjoyed a standout four years at Indiana, he is turning out to be a solid steal for a Dallas team overcome with injury issues and in dire need for creative players who can fight their system.
After the game on Saturday night, Quill continued the praise for what Sarver has meant as a recent addition in practice and on gameday.
“Sarm Sarver hasn’t been integrated with the team until last week. He has connected our group with his passion for the game,” Quill told media. “I was a fan of Sam in fifteen minutes of watching him play. The kid is on fire. He is as humble as they come. That locker room, because of him, is a few octaves up.”
For a team that has so often looked flat, this win hopefully serves as a turning point with new players on the way. Yes, Deedson is on the way as a potential wing option. Christian Cappis could be a midfield reinforcement. Josh Torquato has added necessary depth to a depleted back line, but Sam Sarver further gives Quill and company options to stretch the field, to go at opposing defenses with a bit of chaos and speed, and to simply bring intensity.
Sarver brought that in spades, firing up the crowd and his team.
So, now, it’s a matter of when and not if Sarver takes his next step. North Texas will suffer, but FC Dallas needs every spark they can get as they push to get back into playoff action.
Of course, there is a risk here - there always is.
Bernard Kamungo was the most recent Sarver-like hot hand, but Bernie didn’t rise as fast and has cooled off in MLS play. Will Sarver have a longer term impact? Can they provide a bit more consistency to help him develop his confidence?
If Sarver isn’t in talks to sign with the senior team, then the question will be how long North Texas can hang on to him. Surely, USL teams will come sniffing, and maybe even other MLS teams who need to take a swing on a dynamic attacking player.
But don’t ruin this FC Dallas - Sarver is a gift. He and Torquato already shifted a bit of the narrative of what has been a disappointing season - they give us hope for the present and future. Use them. Build around them. And maybe even get Quill the pieces he needs to win more games with this squad.