Hoops Home & Abroad: Mauro Diaz wins first Cup with Al Ahli

Welcome back to another week of our coverage of players with connections to FC Dallas, the FCD Academy, and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

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Europe

Weston McKennie (AP - Schalke 04/Bundesliga: Weston is out several weeks with ruptured ankle ligaments.

Anton Nedyalkov (FCD - Ludogorets/Bulgaria): Anton has reportedly drawn interest from a Turkish powerhouse:

Chris Richards (AP/FCD - Bayern Munich/U19 Bundesliga): International Break

Ramiro Funes Mori (DFW - Villarreal/La Liga): International Break

Emerson Hyndman (DFW - Bournemouth/EPL): I know it’s the International Break, but seriously, Where’s Hyndman?

Unlike the Cherries game day rosters (and future plans), you can actually find Hyndman somewhere on this pic.

Getterson (FCD- Maritimo/Liga NOS): International Break

David Texeira (FCD-Moreirense/Liga NOS): International Break

Christian Cappis (AP - Hobro IK/Danish Superliga): Cappis spent last week with the USMNT U20s, where he was the best player in a pair of Friendlies:

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Middle East

Mauro Diaz (FCD - Shabab Al Ahli Dubai/UAE): Mauro and the “Red Knights” played in the Arabian Gulf Cup Final on Friday, at Al Wahda. Much like he has been throughout the two tournament style cups that Al Ahli are competing in, Diaz sat out the first half, and entered the match right after halftime. It payed off yet again, as Al Ahli would finish strong, to earn a 3-1 victory:

This is the first of three possible trophies Al Ahli can win this season, and they have a legitimate shot at winning all three.

Mexico & Central America

Rogelio Funes Mori (DFW-Monterrey): Rogelio started in a Friendly against MLS side San Jose Earthquakes. Rogelio would get his team started on the right foot, just minutes into the match:

Monterrey would go on to earn a 2-1 victory.

Fabian Castillo (FCD - Tijuana Xolos): International Break

Omar Gonzalez (DFW - Atlas FC/Liga MX): Omar started for the USMNT in their 1-1 draw against Chile

Alejandro Zendejas (AP/FCD - Guadalajara/Liga MX):

International Break

Nick Haden (AP - Municipal/Guatemala): International Break

Major League Soccer & USL Championship

Kellyn Acosta (AP/FCD - Colorado Rapids): Kellyn started against FC Dallas, and was kept in check for most of the match, as Colorado lost 2-1.

Tesho Akindele (FCD - Orlando City SC): Tesho was out with a hamstring injury, and did not feature for Orlando City SC this week.

Maynor Figueroa (FCD-Houston Dynamo): Maynor did not feature for Houston this weekend.

Lee Nguyen (DFW) & Walker Zimmerman(FCD - Los Angeles FC): Lee did not play due to minor injury, but Walker started in a 2-2 draw against New York City FC.

Roland Lamah (FCD), Victor Ulloa (FCD/AP) Eric Alexander (FCD) & Corben Bone (DFW- FC Cincinnati): Roland and Victor both started, and while neither scored, they both had strong games in helping FC Cincinnati earn their first ever MLS road win, by a score of 2-0. Corben and Eric where both late game subs, and helped preserve the victory.

Maxi Urruti (FCD - Montreal Impact): No game scheduled this week.

Moises Hernandez (Loan - San Antonio FC): Moises joined San Antonio FC on loan, and started Saturday in a 1-0 defeat at Colorado Springs Switchbacks.

Devin Vega (AP - Phoenix Rising): No game scheduled this week.

Aaron Guillen (AP/FCD - North Carolina FC): No game scheduled this week.

Connor Pressley (AP - Loudoun United): No game scheduled this week.