FC Dallas Player Predictions: Awards and More Awards
We say goodbye to Paxton and then dig into some player predictions for FC Dallas in 2026. Who wins Golden Boot for the team? Who will be Defender of the Year?
During our recent Afterburn Soccer Show, our crew did the prognostication stuff and predicted which FC Dallas players will earn some recognition for a potent season ahead. Yes, we might be wrong, but we have a sense that this could be a year when guys continue to establish themselves and take the next step. For this team to be successful, fresh faces will need to emerge - and other faces may even depart.
But before we do that, let’s acknowledge the difficult news today from FC Dallas as they made the heavy decision to buyout Paxton Pomykal’s contract. This one hurts as a fan. We’ve watched Paxton grow up. He’s in that class of guys like Pepi and Weston, who deserved the excitement and hype coming his way. He showcased emerging confidence and the ability to be a difference-maker on and off the field.
He will be missed as an ambassador, as a sign of the kind of kids that come up in the FC Dallas Academy.
Is his career over? That’s up to Paxton, his doctors, and circle to figure out. Maybe he starts over after some extended rest and tries to claw his way back up the MLS landscape. No doubt, some team out there would be interested to see what he might provide. I don’t get the picture that this is a purely financial decision on the club’s part. Paxton hasn’t been right physically for a couple of years now, and he wasn’t able to contribute in preseason as he had hoped.
A tough day. Best of luck, Paxton.
On to the predictions…
Who will be FC Dallas’ Top Goal Scorer in 2026?
Coov - Petar Musa. Even if he’s sold, I doubt anyone catches him
Nathan - Petar Musa, again. But what if he is sold this summer?
Chris - Petar Musa, but my darkhorse candidate would be Farrington! He’s looked incredibly sharp in the preseason.
Jose - Petar Musa, it’s a no-brainer.
Result: Consensus. It’s hard to pick against Musa who often had to create for himself in a tough 2025 and has the chance to impress even before the World Cup break. There is always a concern that he might get sold this summer — that’s the only wild card.
Who Will Be FC Dallas’ Defender of the Year in 2026?
Coov - Osaze, the best defender on this roster. He’s only going to excel in this system
Nathan - Osaze, again. His preseason has not been as good this year, but he will get even stronger.
Chris - Osaze, duh. He’s a man amongst boys on that backline (sorry, Ibby and Lalas).
Jose - Osaze, but Johansson could make a case if you count wingbacks.
Result: More consensus. We love us some Osaze. Could Johansson or Norris make a case by the end of the season?
Who Will Be FC Dallas’ Breakout Star of the Year in 2026?
For this category, we are considering a new signing or a young player.
Coov - Nolan Norris. You could argue he broke out last year, starting a good stretch of games and being the rumored starter at LCB, but this year is the year I see him becoming a lock-in starter
Nathan - Sam Sarver. You can add in a couple of other good names to consider, like Ricky Louis and Nolan Norris. But let’s go with Sam. He is going to be deadly off the bench and likely win a starting spot by midseason. Don’t count him out.
Chris - Ricky Louis. The LWB position is wide open, and if Louis continues to impress, he could really shine for this team. My only worry is that he is more gifted offensively, which makes sense given that he is naturally a winger; however, the position he’ll most likely end up playing will require him to develop defensively to earn the starting role.
Jose - Depending on the formation, it’s either Delgado if we go with a 10 up top or Kaick if we go with a 10-less formation.
Result: Lots of names to consider. This may be the marker for this team. If any of these guys end up in a dead heat as a breakout star, FC Dallas will be doing really well as a team. Several of these guys could emerge as the next star by the end of the year.
Who Will Be FC Dallas’ Top Homegrown Player of 2026?
Coov - Part of me wants to double down on Nolan, but I’m going with Michael Collodi this year. He outshone Paes, which is hard to do, and he held his own with the Jacob Jackson breakout as well. He’s being shouted out by media coverage and has eyes on him. It’s his award to lose this season
Nathan - Michael Collodi is going to be in contention for bigger awards, but I think he will be so solid in goal. Book it.
Chris - Michael Collodi feels like the obvious answer here. He’s a winner at every level, and plenty of MLS pundits (I’m looking at you, Mr. Doyle) loved how effortlessly he transitioned from MLS Next Pro to the big leagues.
Jose - Michael Collodi. The man who will be an everyday starter for this team.
Result: More consensus around Michael Collodi, who could be our Defender of the Year.
Which FC Dallas Player Will Most Likely Be Sold This Year?
Coov - Kaick or Musa. There were rumblings that Kaick might move back to Brazil during Preseason, with a stacked midfield around him. I don’t know if he stays if he doesn’t get playing time. Musa is too good, and if he has a good year and a good World Cup, hello, a big check.
Nathan - If I had to pick, it’s Petar Musa. If he starts off the year hot, watch out.
Chris - Musa. He’s going to have an incredible start to the season, which will lead to a cap with the National team in the World Cup, and the inevitable Brinks truck rolling up to Frisco for the Croatian star.
Jose - Ramiro. He’s a known commodity in Brazil and a great locker room guy. He’s an affordable player who may draw a ton of attention from teams in Brazil before anybody else on this roster is sold.
Result: Let’s pray Musa is still here in the second half of the season. If not, there are some other intriguing guys who may play themselves into interest or may be on the way out if they can’t take the next step.
Who did we miss? Let us know in the comments below.