FCD 101
This is a crowd-sourced page for any new FC Dallas fan who wants to know more about the origins of the team, current staff, beloved players, and other tidbits.
Who is the current head coach of FC Dallas?
The current FC Dallas head coach is Nico Estevez. Nico was most recently an assistant coach for the Columbus Crew and then an assistant with the United States Men’s National Team.
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.)
Jason Kreis
Bobby Rhine
Mauro Diaz
David Ferreira
Reggie Cannon
Matt Hedges
Zach Loyd
Jesus Ferreira
Ricardo Pepi
Why does FC Dallas play in Frisco?
FC Dallas, previously as the Dallas Burn, have a history of bouncing around to different venues. In their beginning, the Burn played in the Cotton Bowl, but when attendance lagged, it was noticeable. For a season, they played their games in Grapevine, TX, but the deal that aided the team’s current viability was an agreement with Frisco, TX for a stadium and practice fields.
The location of the stadium is not as central as Arlington, for instance, and it has been a source of some controversy and complaints over the years. However, the venue is the right size and continues to be improved, with features like the National Soccer Hall of Fame and plenty of amenities as the area has continued to grow.
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 and won the championship that year. The team has now joined the new MLS Next Pro and have 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, Arturo Rodriguez, and Ronaldo Damus. They play at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington, TX.
North Texas just announced a new head coach in January, Javier Cano, who has worked his way through European and American academies.
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, and Reggie Cannon.
Justin Che is currently on loan at 1899 Hoffenheim. It seems likely the Bundesliga side will trigger his buy clause this summer.
Jesus Ferreira, with 18 goals scored in 2022 and 3 already in 2023, will continue to garner some interest with teams across the pond. No move is imminent.
Alan Velasco has been sensational for FC Dallas. It’s a matter of time until he gets serious interest from European teams.
Maarten Paes has been a standout keeper, already with experience in Europe, so he may begin to garner interest in the future as well.
Youth players also have the potential to impress.
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 awfully 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.