FC Dallas Hustles to a 3-2 Opening Season Win against Toronto
With three points to start the season, FC Dallas picked up where they left off with an uneven performance that featured their trademark grit and hustle.
FC Dallas launched their 2026 campaign with a huge home victory over Toronto FC on Saturday night, a 90-minute performance that showed the heart and grit of this team.
Petar Musa scored two goals. Logan Farrington grabbed an assist and a goal. The pair were relentless and showcased their potential to be one of the league’s best attacking duos.
From the opening whistle, FC Dallas appeared physically and mentally focused, pushing the ball forward, attacking Toronto, and creating opportunities. Musa’s opening goal in the 8th minute didn’t happen in the prettiest sequence of passes, but FC Dallas were ruthless, including Osaze Urhoghide winning a ball at the top of the box and finding his striker teammate wide open. Logan’s goal, his first of the year, was all about the counter and his constantly improving ability to terrorize defenders.
Toronto FC, of course, exposed some of the defensive questions that FC Dallas hasn’t quite answered yet. Both of their goals came down to costly turnovers and a back line that can easily become stretched. But despite that, Dallas found answers, including the go-ahead goal from Petar Musa off a perfect cross from Farrington.
Was it a perfect performance? No.
Was it good enough? Yes.
In particular, we were interested in the lineup decisions during a competitive offseason over the winter break. There were no real surprises, but Herman Johansson made his debut at right wing back. He got his first taste of the physicality of Major League Soccer and will definitely look to improve as he continues to gel with the team. Bernard Kamungo started at left wing-back. Will we see some rotation in the weeks ahead? Deedson came on as a sub for Johansson, so he might be another name to watch.
Christian Cappis continued to slot in as the creative midfielder, with Ramiro and Kaick providing cover for the back line. We’ll see if Christian keeps that role or if he gets shifted around as Valiente gets fit. Ran Binyamin made a late sub and debut and might get more minutes ahead as the team seeks out a balance.
Head coach Eric Quill was happy with the effort.
“I thought we had a bright start. We scored early, and early in the season you have to learn how to stay locked in and not concede. The goal we gave up came when we were about to take control of the game, and it took some momentum out of the first half. Those are goals we need to fix. I thought our aggressiveness and our vertical play were clear,” he said. “If you were in the stadium and know the game, you saw a front-footed, aggressive, vertical style. That is who we are. It is part of our identity. We want to be in your face.”
Quill was also asked about Johansson’s debut, who was subbed off early and did have some turnovers. The speed and physicality was likely not a surprise, but I’m sure something he is going to work to adjust to.
“Like any newcomer to the league, he’ll go through an adaptation phase,” Quill said about the Swedish international. “Richie Laryea is a national team outside back with a lot of pace, and I think Johansson was tested by him. It was a good battle on that side. As he learns the league and the profiles he’ll face, he’ll develop the game plans that suit him best. But Johansson is a top wingback. He’ll grow in our system and in this league. He has a great feel for the game, a strong engine, real speed, and good quality. I think, game by game, you’ll see him take real steps forward as he understands more.”
Does this team still have some work to do, some questions to answer?
Yes.
In fact, for all of his hype, Michael Collodi looked a bit rusty and maybe even hesitant at times. I’m not worried about our homegrown goalkeeper, though. The two goals given up, in particular the second when he struggled to secure his initial save, weren’t entirely on him. He’ll improve as does the whole defense.
My highest praise is for Musa and Farrington, who I think have the potential to do special things this year together. Where they go, this team goes.
In the big picture, FC Dallas got what it needed - a home victory to launch 2026, a performance to build on.