An Opinionated Fan Guide to Following FC Dallas
Every season, there’s potential for new FC Dallas fans to begin following the team, whether in the Dallas/Fort Worth area or anywhere else on the globe. This is an opinionated, irreverent guide to the team, splashing in some of their history, some commonly asked questions, and occasional useless trivia. The information may be inaccurate.
What is the history of FC Dallas?
FC Dallas is one of the original teams of Major League Soccer, founded in 1995 under the name Dallas Burn. (Yes, some fans still miss that old name.) The American soccer landscape is one riddled with fascinating ups and downs, bankrupt leagues, lofty promises, and “what ifs”. Also really terrible team names. Major League Soccer has so far been the strongest success of those failed ventures, blending strong financial goals and a steady and thoughtful buildout that has rapidly improved player development, marketing, and appeal.
A key figure and name you will hear time and time again is the Hunt family. Their patriarch, Lamar Hunt, financed Major League Soccer’s launch, owned two teams (Kansas City and Columbus), and ultimately purchased FC Dallas from the league in 2003. The US Open Cup is also named after him. This is why most FC Dallas games begin with a special guest placing a scarf around the Lamar Hunt trophy in Frisco.
The Hunts are saturated with oil money.
Why are games played in Frisco?
The first, and mostly sarcastic, answer is to give fans something to grumble about. Seriously, stadium location is an oft-debated topic among diehard fans, some of whom may have vague and fond memories of Dallas playing games in the historic Cotton Bowl. However, historic as it may be, the venue was not conducive to building the kind of long-term environment that the team needed to be successful.
To make the team more viable, the franchise moved to Toyota Stadium in the northern suburbs of Frisco. While the drive can stink for fans coming from the far reaches of the DFW metroplex, it has improved the gameday experience in the long run. The entire complex continues to get investments and features practice fields and the US Soccer Hall of Fame. It is truly a soccer-first stadium.
Occasionally, as a bonus, you can spot football lines on the field. Only in America.
Still, the location of the stadium - along with no public transit - is an area of continued concern. Don’t expect Dallas to pick up and move somewhere else.
One improvement Dallas should focus on? Integrate a Braum’s into the stadium.
Who is the current head coach of FC Dallas?
The current FC Dallas head coach is Eric Quill. Eric Quill takes charge in 2025 with his first full season in charge. Before, Quill coached New Mexico United in the USL Championship, and before that, he was an assistant in Columbus. More importantly, Quill has deep ties to the FC Dallas organization and coached North Texas Soccer Club’s inaugural seasons, winning a championship in the process.
Quill is prepared to write a new chapter in the story of FC Dallas.
Who are some of the greatest players to have played for FC Dallas?
Greatest? Most beloved? Infamous? It depends. Here are a few. (Wikipedia links to be added later.)
Denilson
Jason Kreis
Bobby Rhine
Oscar Pareja
Kenny Cooper
Blas Perez
Mauro Diaz
David Ferreira
Reggie Cannon
Matt Hedges
Kevin Hartman
Zach Loyd
Michel
Brek Shea
Timo Pitter
Ryan Hollingshead
Kellyn Acosta
Jesus Ferreira
Ricardo Pepi
Paul Arriola
Chris Richards
Justin Che
Who or what is North Texas SC?
North Texas is FC Dallas’ “reserve” or development team, started initially as an inaugural member of the USL League One, winning the championship that year. The team joined MLS Next Pro and has continued to play an attacking, exciting brand of soccer while bringing along young talent. Notable players for North Texas have included Ricardo Pepi, Bernard Kamungo, Antonio Carrera, Nolan Norris, Arturo Rodriguez, Carl Sainte, Pedrinho, and Ronaldo Damus. They play at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington, TX.
North Texas won their first MLS Next Pro championship in 2024. The team was so darn good, first under head coach John Gall then interim head coach Michel. They are moving to a new stadium in Mansfield in 2026. John Gall is returning as head coach for the 2025 season.
If FC Dallas is stinking it up, go watch North Texas. They are so much fun.
Which FC Dallas player is likely headed to Europe next?
Once again, it depends.
FC Dallas has a history of sending talent to Europe. Past names include guys like George John, Brek Shea, Chris Richards, Ricardo Pepi, Bryan Reynolds, Justin Che, Weston McKennie, and Reggie Cannon.
Of the current roster, star striker Petar Musa is no doubt going to get a big offer at some point in his future. Maarten Paes is also a standout keeper who always attracts interest. Among youth players, we’ve dreamed of Paxton Pomykal getting the opportunity to ply his trade abroad but injuries have hampered that dream.
My bet - Nolan Norris is going to attract interest sooner rather than later.
Youth players also have the potential to impress. We could be talking about multiple academy players in the matter of months.
Who are FC Dallas’ rivals?
Our traditional rivals have been the Houston Dynamo, who frankly wish they could be as good as us, and the Chicago Fire. Since we don’t play the Fire often, that rivalry has become quite tepid. The Dynamo rivalry remains vibrant.
Austin FC is the new Texas kid, and they are annoying. This feisty rivalry will only grow, especially as all three teams compete in a fan-organized Copa Tejas.
Finally, Sporting Kansas City is the emotional rival. Games between SKC and FCD are always exciting, tough, and energetic.
Also, we hate Seattle. We always play each other in the playoffs, and it stinks. That turf up there is a crime.
What other questions should we answer?