Bryan Leyva’s start this last Saturday was rather historic, even if only for FC Dallas, its youth development system and fans of the club who are eager to see the club develop talent for the future.

Leyva is the first Homegrown player signed by Dallas to a professional contract, having joined Dallas’ youth development system back in June 2008. He was eventually signed to a professional contract in 2009, and made his MLS debut in a loss to the LA Galaxy in 2010. But Saturday he finally got his nod in Schellas’ starting lineup.

Leyva started in place of Fabian Castillo, who was injured, and instantly had an effect on the game: as Carlos Rodriguez’s long cross skipped past Rodney Wallace, Leyva took a first touch shot on goal that was pushed away by Perkins, only to allow Blas Pérez to mop it up for his first goal in a Hoops jersey. It was a wonderful early goal and though Leyva won’t be credited on the scoresheet with an assist, it is clear to anyone who sees that highlight that Leyva created the goal.

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