Mexico picks FC Dallas youth star

• by Soccer America , Oct 17, 2009

FC Dallas midfielder Bryan Leyva has been called up by Mexico to play in the U-17 World Cup in Nigeria.

Leyva is currently with the national team in Spain playing final tune-up matches before the World Cup kicks off on Oct. 24.

Leyva has been training with the Mexican U-17 team since being signed by FC Dallas on Sept. 15 from the club's youth development system.

Leyva had previously spent time training at Lille in France and Racing Santander in Spain and been linked to teams across Europe and Mexico.

He spent last season playing the FCD Juniors in the Development Academy's U-15/16 age group, where he was an all-conference selection. He helped FCD advance to Finals Week, where he scored four goals in four games, and also take second place in this year's MLS/SUM U-17 Cup.
 
Leyva was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and came to the United States in 2000. He played in the ODP system but is not a U.S. citizen.