FC Dallas: Loanee Report

Let's get cought up with the current FC Dallas loanees.

It’s been a long time since I did an update on the FC Dallas players out on loan. With a couple of loans nearing their end, this is a good time to get caught up.

Justin Che - TSG Hoffenheim: You’ve likely heard the news by now. Michael Pfiefer of Kicker Report is reporting that TSG 1899 Hoffenheim has decided not to exercise the buy clause on Justin Che’s loan. Justin has reportedly already said his farewells.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that Justin Che has departed to join up with USA U20 squad that will participate in the U20 World Cup.

The final result of the loan will be viewed as nothing more than a failure by FCD and its fans, as the record will show that Justin Che played almost entirely with the Hoffenheim reserves and split time at right back and right mid (not ideal for a CB prospect). Not to mention that he’s only seen action 3 times this year with the reserves.

The truth is that Justin Che was simply snake bit at Hoffenheim. While everyone will remember his near total lack of playing time in 2023 and label him a bust, that is far from the truth.

Justin Che played in 10 matches for Hoffenheim II between October 2022 and December 2022, starting 7 matches. While he was mostly played out of position at right mid, Justin played well enough that he was promoted to the senior roster in mid January 2023. Justin Che was with the Hoffenheim senior team in January and February of 2023, even seeing a 11 minutes in the German Cup against RB Leipzig and making the bench for a couple of regular season matches (no minutes). It is at this point that disaster struck, as it was reported on February 23 by Hoffenheim’s manager Pellegrino Matarazzo, that Justin Che was injured.

Justin Che had knee and abdominal injuries that would force him out for a month, and that would linger far longer. Justin Che would be sent to Hoffenheim II for recovery and had been ruled out for all but the last 7 matches before the U20 call up, seeing action in 3 of those 7 matches (1 start).

Now all that’s left is nothing but a lot of questions.. Will he go on another loan? Is he returning to FC Dallas? What position will he play? Is he fully healed or back in game shape? Can he even help FCD this season? Only time and Justin Che can answer those questions.

Dante Sealy - Jong PSV: Dante Sealy has had a rough go at PSV, failing to make an impression with their reserve side. Dante had until very recently not seen much playing time. Coming into the month of May, Dante had seen action in 24 matches this season with Jong PSV, starting 12. Playing mainly at right wing, before this month, Dante had failed to get any playing time since March 10th. The buy clause on Dante’s loan is most assuradly not going to be exercised.

All in all, a bad loan for Sealy, and yet, there is a small glimmer of hope.

This month, with the loan nearing its end, Dante Sealy has made a switch to left wing. Dante has now started the last 2 matches for Yong PSV at left wing. While it is still 100% certain Sealy will be back in Frisco soon, we can take solace in the fact that he will at least arrive in game shape.

Isaiah Parker - San Antonio FC: Parker landed with one of the best teams in the USL Championship, in the form of defending champions SAFC. The loan itself looks good on paper but has not gone as well. SAFC has one of the best starting XIs, and Parker has struggled to get consistent playing time. While he has managed to get 3 starts with SAFC, it is concerning that Parker has been subbed out at halftime in all 3 starts.

It’s important to understand that Parker is still transitioning to left back, and his defensive ability is still questionable. Parker will have to fight to earn minutes with SAFC and that could very well be the best thing for him in the long run.

Collin Smith - Birmingham Legion: Collin Smith finds himself also playing for a top team in the USL Championship, and like Parker, is also transitioning to a new position (right back). Unlike Parker, Collin Smith is getting all the playing time he wants and has become a key member of the Birmingham Union’s starting 11. Collin has 12 starts in 14 appearances so far. Most impressively, Smith has started all 3 matches in Birmingham’s current USOC run.

Collin Smith is in the middle of an impressive loan run and looks right on track in his development.

• What do you think FC Dallas should do about Justin Che?

• Can Dante Sealy earn a spot in practice with current injuries?