Past Sueño Winners

Birnis Adames - 2011

Eighteen-year-old forward Birnis Adames was named the winner of Sueño MLS 2011 – presented by Allstate nationally-televised player search competition, and will receive an invitation to join one of the Philadelphia Union’s youth Academy teams. Born in Santa Cruz de Mao, Dominican Republic, Birnis started playing soccer only four years ago. At the Philadelphia trials, he quickly caught the attention of the Union scouts who regard him as one of the best prospects in the competition.  The Union coaches commented that Birnis reminded them of New York Red Bulls forward Thierry Henry because of his vision on the field.

Anthony Hall - 2011

Sixteen-year-old goalkeeper Anthony Hall was named the “Good Hands” top goalkeeper – El Portero Allstate after a month of competition. He will have a chance to join the FC Dallas Youth Academy. Local FC Dallas winner of Allstate “Good Hands®” top goalkeeper award – El Portero Allstate. A student at Bryan Adams High School, he once managed to stop four penalty kicks during the final match of a youth championship, allowing his team to win the competition. A tall and very vocal goalkeeper, his ability to lead and organize the defense from his goal impressed the scouting group. Anthony reached the local semifinals of Sueño MLS Houston in 2010.

Nelson Castro - 2010

After more than a month of trials, travels, and training, 14-year-old defender Nelson Castro was chosen the winner of Sueño MLS 2010. The native of Houston, Texas, is the youngest winner in the nationally televised player-search competition's four-year history.  Castro, who is of Salvadoran descent, learned the news of his winning during a live broadcast of República Deportiva, the weekly Spanish-language sports show on Univision. Nelson made his Dynamo Academy debut in fall of 2010.
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Alberto Lopez - 2009

Born in Mexico, 17-year-old Alberto Lopez from Aurora, IL, fulfilled his dream by becoming the National Champion of Sueño MLS 2009 and securing a spot with the Chicago Fire Juniors. The attacking midfielder scored 18 goals last season for East Aurora High School, and plays club for the Aurora Warriors, both modest teams where he had never had the opportunity to be noticed by scouts.

Gabriel Funes - 2008

The son of a professional Argentine soccer player Miguel Funes stood out amongst tough competition and over 2,000 participants during the 2008 Sueño MLS try-outs. Scoring the lone goal for the Sueño Team against the FC Dallas U-17 Team, Funes was crowned National Champion of Sueño MLS 2008. While part of FC Dallas youth team, Funes was granted the opportunity of a trial with Chelsea FC. Although a deal was not reached with Chelsea, River Plate's '92 category was in England during these try-outs and offered him a try-out with the Argentine club River Plate. Today, Gabriel is an undisputed member of the starting line-up for River Plate in the Primera División Argentina.

Briant Reyes - 2008

Born to parents from El Salvador, Briant Reyes attended Downey High School in the Los Angeles area. Reyes scored a goal in a crucial Sueño MLS trial match, played by the five Los Angeles Finalists and Chivas USA's U-16 Team, against the Chivas USA's U-15s on Friday, March 21.

Jorge Flores - 2007

A versatile midfielder, Jorge Flores joined the Chivas USA U-19 Team in March 2007 after he was officially named the winner of 'Sueño MLS: Chivas USA Wants You!', a nationally televised open tryout held by Chivas USA and Major League Soccer. A native of Anaheim, Calif., Flores spent his childhood in Pénjamo, Guanajuato, before returning as a teenager to Southern California. He joined the Chivas USA senior team on July 25, 2007, and made his debut on Sept. 9, and in 2008, he scored three goals in 11 appearances for Chivas USA during his second season as a pro.

Flores has also been a mainstay on the United States Under-20 National Team, making more appearances with the team than any other player in 2008, and being called in to many camps and tours with the squad in 2009. Flores, who plays both left back and at left midfield with the team, helped the U.S. qualify for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt, and played in all three games (two starts) in the U-20 World Cup in late September/October 2009. Full Bio »