U16 Girls
The U16 Girls group features 8 teams (2 brackets with 4 teams each). Only the 1st and 2nd placed teams in each bracket will advance.
Bracket A = DKSC 05G ECNL, Crossfire Premier 05G ECNL
DKSC 05 ECNL is a well coached group that will win this talented group. Their top challenger will be Crossfire Premier (WA), whom we feel will claim the 2nd place to advance from this bracket. It's also worth noting that Solar 06G ECNL is playing up into this bracket. Look for this young talented group to push for advancement, while making some noise.
Bracket B = FCD 05G ECNL, Solar 05G ECNL
This one is all about the NTX rivalry. FC Dallas and Solar will clash here as the clear cut the top two teams . FC Dallas 05 ECNL, coached by Matt Grubb, is 1-0-2 (w-l-t) their last 3 games vs Solar 05 ECNL. Very tight competition, but I have them winning and one of the favorites.
Note: There are not wildcard teams.
U16 Boys
The U16 Boys group features 28 teams (7 brackets with 4 teams each). The 1st place team in each bracket will advance, plus 1 additional wildcard team.
Bracket A = Solar 05B ECNL
While the competition here is going to be interesting to watch, Solar 05B ECNL is in a different class compared to the others in the group. Look for SoCal Elite FC to be their top challenger.
Bracket B = Olympiacos FC Academy B05 (CA)
Olympiacos FC will win this group. This group from Southern California is going to feature a brilliant attack as they play a very direct style, but I believe that they'll ultimately edge out on points to win this group. Dallas Texans ECNL should be considered their top challenger.
Bracket C = FC Dallas 05B Premier ECNL
FCD 05 Premier ECNL is my pick to win this group. If I'm correct, they'll have players from their U16/17 MLS group play age pure this tournament, which should make them even stronger. Look for them to face a great matchups in both Surf ECNL and Rise MLS. It's also worth noting that FC Warriors is actually the most recent team to beat FCD Premier . So let's not discount this scrappy team for an upset. I would say that Rise MLS is considered the top challenger here.
Bracket D = Real Salt Lake - AZ MLS 05 (AZ)
RSL will win a very tight group, as the will face stiff competition throughout. Solar U16 MLS Academy is going to be the top challenger for this group.
Bracket E = Dallas Texans U16 Academy-ECNL
One of the more balanced and even brackets, Dallas Texans U16 Academy will have a very face tough challenges in each match-up. Their top challenger is going to be Santa Clara Sporting. (CA).
Bracket F = Baltimore Amour U16 (MA)
The champs are back. DKSC 05B Carrillo (formerly Selecao) stunned everyone to win the U13 group at the 2019 Dallas Cup. They are back to defend their crown. They'll be challenged here by a very talented Baltimore Amour U16. I'm predicting DKSC drops their match vs BA, which is why they'll win this group. No worries, I have DKSC as my wildcard in this age group.
Bracket G = Crossfire 05B ECNL (WA)
The group from Washington should win this group. Now nobody should discount Solar 05B De Leon or IMG Academy. Both will push Crossfire, and either could upset the bracket.
Wildcard #1 = DKSC 05B Carrillo
