Where we left off last year
2025 season: 44 points, 7th in the Western Conference, 16th in MLS
You see, there was FC Dallas with Lucho Acosta and FC Dallas without Lucho Acosta.
Before they shipped their multi-million dollar cashfer off to Brazil following a bit of a behind-the-scenes mess mixed with on-field disappointment, Dallas averaged 1.04 points across 24 games. After they moved Acosta for a loss to Fluminense? Dallas averaged 1.90 points across 10 games and snuck into the playoffs. Of course, simply making the postseason in a league that allows 60% of its teams to make the cut isn’t an accomplishment. But FC Dallas will sure be hoping that manager Eric Quill’s tactical changes that helped fuel that late push will do so from the jump in 2026.
What changed in the offseason
Notable arrivals:
- Joaquín Valiente, AM: Dallas opted against signing a Designated Player No. 10 this winter, despite their open DP spot, and chose to add Valiente instead. The 24-year-old Uruguayan posted nine non-penalty goal contributions for Barcelona (the one in Ecuador, not the one in Spain) last year and should make this team better.
- Herman Johansson, RWB: Signed from the Swedish first division, Johansson should be an upgrade on the right wing for Dallas. His elite athletic ability and twist of final third product make him an ideal fit for an FC Dallas squad that’s wanted to get more dynamic ever since moving on from Acosta. Expect the 28-year-old to play major minutes.
