The FC Dallas U-18’s defeated Monterrey 2-1 Sunday night to secure their first ever Dallas Cup Super Group title and becoming the first MLS academy to win the prestigious tournament.

After coming close last year, falling to Everton in the semi-final last year, the team finished top of their group to clinch a spot in the knockout stage. After defeating Coritiba 2-1, Dallas would advance to play Monterrey in the final. Midfielder Paxton Pomykal opened up the scoring with a goal in the 23rd minute, with a perfectly slotted shot. Monterrey would equalize off a free kick rebound in the 81st minute.

Arturo Rodriguez took on defenders before launching a strike from about 30 yards out in the 89th minute, which snuck past Monterrey keeper Alexis Lina to give the team the win.

“I can’t put it into words right now,” captain and defender Brandon Terwege said. “I don’t really look at it as the first MLS team. We just do this for ourselves and for our families. This team is one big family.”

This year, FC Dallas decided to bring down three players that they had recently signed to homegrown contracts to play in the tournament. Jesus Ferreira, Reggie Cannon, Pomykal were all placed on the FC Dallas U-18 roster. For the current group, it was the one title they were missing, after winning the US Developmental Academy title last year.

“It’s a good feeling [to win the tournament],” Pomykal said. “Playing in the Dallas Cup growing up all the way from the first age group and never winning and to win the hardest one, it’s kinda surreal but it’s also a mission accomplished for me as I’ve always wanted to win this tournament.”

The impact of the players was noticeable on the field. Ferreira had four goals in the tournament and set up Pomykal, who had three goals in the tournament, for the game winner against Coritiba Friday that secured their place in the final. Cannon was a great defensively, providing maturity that isn’t seen often at the academy level.

“There’s a reason they are pros,” Terwege said. “Anytime we can get them on the field with our team, we feel like we can beat anyone. They’re a great addition.”

The three professionals left an impact off the field as well, according to head coach Francisco Molina.

“Those three guys are not arrogant, they’re very down to earth,” Molina said. “They’re hardworking; they’ll work hard like anyone else on the field. They’re not selfish and we showed it; there’s no selfishness [in the team].”

“For me to be on the first team and some of the other guys to bring some experience from playing with the first team guys, it’s good for these guys to see us play and to play with us,” Pomykal said. “Ultimately, we benefit each other.”

For the entire club, this trophy means a lot. Coach Oscar Pareja, technical director Fernando Clavijo, and owner Dan Hunt all went down to celebrate with the players after the victory. It is the culture established in the club, winning from every level. For Pomykal, it was a special moment for the family at FC Dallas.

“Obviously, this is my family, and I’ve grown up playing with these guys,” Pomykal said. “They are my brothers. To be able to come back and win a tournament like this with them is a dream come true.”