Football Season Guide

No Western Conference team conceded fewer goals (37) than Dallas last season, with Nico Estévez’s side finishing third to clinch playoff qualification. However, after beating Minnesota on penalties in the first round, they were eliminated at the hands of Austin following a painful 2-1 home victory. In the offseason, FC Dallas parted ways with squad players such as Joshué Quiñónez, Eddie Munjoma, Kalil ElMedkhar and Franco Jara. Meanwhile, an unconvincing Nanu returned to Porto, while starting centre-back Matt Hedges was replaced by experienced defender Sebastien Ibeagha. Filling the void of an injury-prone Hedges by bringing in a solid Ibeagha could prove to be a move that would see Dallas boast one of the best MLS defences again this season. Their new signing is expected to start at the back, but there will be no other change in the starting XI heading into the 2023 campaign which is important in their bid to achieve consistency. Apart from boasting a solid backline, FC Dallas also have one of the finest MLS goalkeepers in Maarten Paes, who pulled off some huge saves last season to contribute to his team’s run to the second round. However, their main issue could be that their lack of depth in attack. In fact, Jesus Ferreira scored more than one third of their 48 goals last season, with wingers Paul Arriola and Alan Velasco failing to contribute what they could have based on their potential.