Big news for the USMNT as Ligue 1 striker Folarin Balogun opts for international play with the U.S. over England. But fans should also rejoice as another USMNT striker option, FC Dallas’ Jesús Ferreira, puts in the work to arrive in the best possible shape for the U.S.
The 22-year-old netted in the 89th minute of Dallas’ 1–nil victory over Austin FC last Saturday and scored a brace Wednesday night in their 2–1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps at Toyota Park.
Ferreira now has eight goals in 13 matches this season and is in a three-way tie for second in the 2023 MLS Golden Boot race.
Balogun’s much-awaited announcement certainly pulled the spotlight away with his 19 goals in 34 matches on his loan at Reims from Arsenal this season, Ferreira is doing his part to make himself an attractive option for interim USMNT head coach Anthony Hudson for the upcoming CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup this summer.
"I’m just setting personal goals for myself and trying to better myself for the team," Ferreira said after the match. "I’m finding that rhythm I had again, getting into pockets and spaces in the box. My teammates are trusting me to be the guy to score goals, and I’m happy we did a good job today."
The good news isn’t tied exclusively to USMNT hopes and aspirations as Dallas is also enjoying an upswing from his productivity, sitting in the third spot of the Western Conference with 21 points and are unbeaten in their last three matches.
Ferreira, a Dallas homegrown player, added to his growing tally of milestones as his latest brace is the eighth time in his career that he nets multiple goals and adds to his 44 career goals, putting him in third place in Dallas history two goals behind Kenny Cooper.
His good form has fueled European transfer rumors with Ferreira himself denying a rumor of Serie A champion Napoli putting in an offer for his services.
In the meantime, Ferreira’s focus is on the club he’s called home since 2016.
"At the end of the day we’re a team trying to win games, make the playoffs, and win the MLS Cup," he said. "We all know that when someone is down we have to support them and continue on and push the next person. The level tonight was there, the guys were hungry and we showed that we’re here to get points."
This article was originally published on 90min as Big USMNT news as FC Dallas striker Jesús Ferreira shines.
