MLS Preview: FC Dallas

In partnership with

Hooligan Soccer

·5 February 2025

MLS Preview: FC Dallas

Club History

Founded in 1995 as the Dallas Burn, they were one of the 10 inaugural clubs when the MLS launched in 1996. One of the most consistent teams in the MLS’ early years, they achieved a seven-year streak of playoff qualifications. In fact, other than the LA Galaxy, no MLS team has reached the postseason with a greater percentage than Dallas.

But qualification does not guarantee success and Dallas’ postseason record has been, frankly, pretty awful. They were the last of the founding clubs to play in an MLS Cup final, in 2010, and they have never won the trophy.

OneFootball Videos

One area Dallas does excel in is the development of young talent. Their academy and affiliate team has consistently ranked among the best in the league, and has developed a plethora of players including Weston McKennie, Chris Richards, Jesús Ferreira and Ricardo Pepi.

Their home field, Toyota Stadium, is small by Texas standards, with a 19,400 person capacity.

Ownership

The Hunt Sports Group, under the leadership of brothers Clark and Dan, are the controlling group. They also own the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and a part of the Chicago Bulls.

Notable Players

Jason Kreis (United States) – Forward Top goal scorer (91) for Dallas First player to score 100 MLS goals (with multiple teams)
Óscar Pareja (Colombia) – Midfield Played 170 games for Dallas between 1998-2005 Was head coach of the team from 2014-18
Kenny Cooper (United States) – Forward Notched 46 goals across two stints playing for Dallas (2006-9 and 2013)
David Ferreira (Colombia) – Midfielder Won the MLS MVP in 2010 Scored the lone goal for Dallas in the 2010 Cup final Father of the aforementioned Jesús Ferreira
Matt Hedges (United States) – Defender Played 11 seasons and has the record for appearances (310) Was captain of the team since 2014

Other Facts

Ted Hooper, FC Dallas mascot (Source) Image cropped

Compete in the annual Texas Derby against Houston Dynamo FC. The winner gains possession of El Capitan, a replica Civil War cannon.
Have appeared in the postseason 19 of 29 seasons, the second highest total in the MLS (behind LA Galaxy).
Their mascot is a bull named Ted Hooper (pictured above).
Their reserve team North Texas SC had the best record in the 2024 MLS Next Pro league. Subsequently many of these players were called up for the first team.

2024 Season Review

11W – 8D – 15L with 41 points. Finished 11th in the Western Conference, 21st overall.
Did not qualify for the postseason.
Dallas lived up to its original moniker after 2024, burning 18 players from its roster and firing their head coach Peter Luccin in a massive conflagration.

Who to Watch in 2025

The team is undergoing a complete rebuild. They have two open DP slots, leaving gaping holes that they’ll look to fill before the Feb. 22 kick-off. The good news is they have LOTS of GAM money (by some accounts up to $8M) on hand if they choose to spend it.

Chris Quill The new head coach has very little to work with. Most of his squad are academy kids from North Texas SC or draftees.
Léo Chú (Brazil) Winger Part of a trade that saw Jesús Ferreira and Paul Arriola go to the Seattle Sounders. Had 19 contributions (7 goals; 12 assists) in his two Seattle seasons.
Sebastian Lletget (United States) Midfielder One of the handful of holdovers from last season, Lletget is a wily 13-year veteran of the game.
Petar Musa (Croatia) Striker The sole Designated Player on the team (as of publication), he led the team with 14 goals last season.

First Match

It’s straight into the fire for Dallas as they travel to Houston Dynamo on Saturday, Feb. 22.

MLS Preview: FC Dallas Leading up to the Feb. 22 start of the MLS season, Hooligan staff have prepared some previews of your favorite club. February 4, 2025
MLS Preview: CF Montréal Leading up to the Feb. 22 start of the MLS season, Hooligan staff have prepared some previews of your favorite club. February 4, 2025
MLS Preview: Colorado Rapids Leading up to the Feb. 22 start of the MLS season, Hooligan staff have prepared some previews of your favorite club. February 3, 2025