FRISCO, Tx. — After a strong start to the 2019 MLS season, midfielder Edwin Cerrillo found himself in search of playing time.
After starting against the Portland Timbers June 30, Cerrillo failed to make an appearance for three matches with FC Dallas. Cerrillo started in 10 matches, including key contributions in the 2-1 victory over Atlanta United April 20. His spot had been taken by fellow homegrown midfielder Brandon Servania, who has excelled following the departure of Carlos Gruezo.
In order to continue Cerrillo’s development, the FC Dallas coaching staff believed playing with North Texas SC, FC Dallas’ USL League One side, would be beneficial for the 18-year-old. Cerrillo played 90 minutes in a 0-0 draw against the South Georgia Tormenta July 20.
Cerrillo had 102 passes for NTSC with over 93 percent accuracy, with 89 of those coming as short passes. Coach Eric Quill practices a similar playing style as the first team, hoping to dominate the ball and create in the opponent’s third, giving Cerrillo meaningful minutes in almost the same system.
While many might take it as a demotion, Cerrillo knows the importance of playing time and was grateful to get it with North Texas.
“I think a lot of players would make it seem that way, but I try to find the positives in everything, whether I’m with North Texas or playing in a friendly, I try to take the opportunity,” Cerrillo told Pro Soccer USA. “This week is a new week and I fight again to put myself in the roster before I go off to the homegrown game and just to get that confidence and that rhythm again. I don’t see it as a demotion. It’s for my development to help me in a positive way.”
For FC Dallas coach Luchi Gonzalez, the addition of the second team has provided him with the ability to give minutes to players who are not seeing them regularly with the first team. Gonzalez analyzes the film by mid-week as intensively as he does with the first team and gives feedback to the players on what they need to improve on. It’s a difficult balance to strike, letting players know that, while the second team is not the level they want to be at in the long-term, it’s critical for growth.
“Communication is important,” Gonzalez said. “Edwin knows that playing is very important, whether it’s with the first team or the second team. It’s great to get the opportunity with the second team. Thomas [Roberts], [Brandon] Servania have had multiple games in the season that have helped them be ready with the first team. The second team serves a lot of purposes. I think the players know that, so they’re open. That type of conversation is not that difficult, because the players want to play. If they have the opportunity to play with the second team, they’ll know that will help them with the first team.”
Cerrillo has been attempting to prove he belongs with the first team by putting in the extra effort in training. It can be difficult, especially in the summer heat, to give 100 percent, but Cerrillo knows he has to show the coaching staff he belongs with the first team.
“In training, I push myself, even when I’m tired, even when I can’t run anymore,” Cerrillo said. “I just try to jog around and give the extra push in any drill, even if it isn’t a conditioning drill, just trying to show that I’m running more than the others and pushing myself.”
The competitiveness of FC Dallas’ midfield has been well-documented, with plenty of young players getting opportunities and fighting for the same spots. It’s breeding healthy duels for coveted spots on the roster and pushing players to give their all. If one week they’re not, they can go down and play for the second team instead of the first. Players know eyes are on them and a slip-up cannot be afforded.
“It’s been two or three games where I haven’t played,” Cerrillo said. “I’ve always had that mentality to take the opportunity wherever I have it, no matter where I’m playing I’m going to give it my all. It felt good to play against another team and for it to not be a scrimmage and just go out there and get more touches on the ball and get more rhythm.”