The Dream is alive in Falls Church, Virginia.
This small city, ten miles from the nation’s capital, is back in the spotlight thanks to the recent success of Virginia Dream FC. Founded by former professional and national high school player of the year Lucas Mendes, they’ve made waves in only their second year with a huge Cupset of pro side Richmond Kickers on the road in the First Round of 2025 U.S. Open Cup.
This Dream team now face a Second Round contest against the area’s Division II USL Championship side, Loudoun United FC, in their debut go-round in this country’s most-historic soccer tournament.
“We’ve built an identity on the field, to grow and solidify a large player pool and to conquer local and national leagues,” said head coach CJ Taylor, who still hasn’t even been in the job for a full year. “The next step is to cement ourselves as a top semi-pro side and climb the next rung on the ladder. That’s The U.S. Open Cup.”
Taylor’s comments, made during this fall’s grueling amateur Qualifying Rounds, now seem prophetic. The Dream – who pulled off their huge Cupset in the First Round on the road against our 1995 Champions the Kickers – are working toward opening doors for Virginia’s players and turning the dream their name hints at into bold reality.
And don’t mind if they do all that while looking sharp.
Soccer Field as Runway
Since their inception the Dream have made statements with their kits. These projects aim to create a connection between soccer, art, fashion and music. That all began in 2023 with the team’s hand tie-dyed, square pattern kits. The colors of light blue and pink stood out plenty – and that was the whole point.
“We understand how art and sport can combine and really grow the culture of this game in this country,” said Mendes, a product of MLS side D.C. United’s academy system. “The more time that clubs put into that, the more they'll be able to relate to their fans and find new fans that maybe weren't into soccer first but were into the creative side of things. Then you draw them into the sport and they're able to feel a part of the club.”
