Pondeca Inks Deal with FC Dallas

The attacking midfielder joins after earning a spot with North Texas from tryouts and now looks to develop his game even further.

Well, folks, the pipeline from North Texas to FC Dallas continues to flow, like those West Texas oil gushers.

Tomas Pondeca, who only a year ago made an impression through open tryouts and locked down a spot with North Texas, has taken his next step, signing a deal with FC Dallas. You can read about his journey here.

The 22 year old, who we interviewed early on, comes with futsal experience, and as we watched North Texas compete last year, the young midfielder came on strong towards the end of the season. He is young. He has upside. At worst, he offers Dallas some depth in the midfield and on the wing, especially as Jader Obrian departs to Austin, but at best, he could grow to compete for crucial starting minutes.

This news comes after Alejandro Urzua signed a professional deal with FC Dallas this week, and North Texas also brings in a midfielder from Brazil, Pedrinho. These flurry of actions are no doubt just the beginning as Dallas builds for the future and this coming season.

Just a note too, Jader Obrian played himself back into contention for a new deal with FC Dallas, but this week, Austin FC snagged him in the reentry draft. In some ways, this wasn’t a surprise. Even if Obrian stayed, he no doubt would have only garnered a minimal renewal, as he has been solid but may not have a long term future as anything more than a squad player for this team who wants to develop younger talent. He will be interesting to watch with Austin.

What a start to the holiday season.