New Kits, New Players, New Era

FC Dallas announced their new kit for 2025 and host their first press conference for the year. Also, Lucho Acosta is on his way. What a moment.

Today is a BIG day for FC Dallas.

I’m not usually one to do a news roundup on this site, but sometimes, the news in the span of 24 hours is simply overwhelming to break down every action.

First, we got a new kit announced, the “Inferno” as an ode to FC Dallas’ first supporters group. As usual, reactions are almost always mixed, as some fans love it instantly and other fans want to see it in the flesh before making a decision. It has some pretty cool details, including an Apple logo with flames. But that may or may not be available on what fans can purchase.

The timing is kind of smart, at least because this season has featured a huge turnover on the squad, stadium construction is planned, and no doubt, some fan discontent has filtered up to the front office. Why not offer some love back to fans?

But that’s not all that has unfolded.

First, FC Dallas announced a defender yesterday, a record signing in his own right, Osaze Urhoghide from Amiens SC in Ligue 2. The guy fits a lot of the profile that Dallas has been searching for - he’s a physical presence, noted for his athletic ability, his speed, his desire to do the dirty work along the back line. He has experience too, including UEFA Europe minutes while with Celtic FC. It’s a nice blend, recognizing that he is yet to move into that prime of his career. He can still grow.

When I watched his tape last month as a potential signing, I saw the attributes that Eric Quill wants in a defender. He’s aggressive. He can defend one on one. He’s willing to go out, meet the point of attack, and make something happen. At least initially, it looks like he will start on the right side of the CB pairing with Ibeagha.

But then, the news that had been kept to a low simmer these past few weeks - FC Dallas has purchased Lucho Acosta from FC Cincinatti for $5 million + add-ons. This marks the first time Dallas are utilizing the new cash-based transfer system instituted by Major League Soccer earlier this month. And it’s a big one, bringing in a MVP caliber attacker who significantly raises the ceiling of Dallas’ potential.

Lucho won the MLS MVP back in 2023, and it’s been clear he wanted out of FC Cincy. With no move abroad materializing, Dallas and San Jose remained the two favorites, according to rumor wizard Tom Bogert. In the end, Dallas may have simply been able to offer more and present themselves as a landing spot for Lucho and his family. It was reported that Acosta had a no trade clause in his contract, so this held up the deal as the attacker considered his options.

FC Dallas certainly have fielded solid attackers over the years, but we have to go back to Mauro Diaz to remember the last time we had a truly legit, in-prime offensive star. Paired with Petar Musa, the attack is going to cook this year, alongside Anderson Julioo (who has been having an excellent offseason) and young stars Bernard Kamungo and Logan Farrington.

Now with an offensive scheme in place alongside a vitally needed defender, Dallas have the potential to contend in 2025.

Are there still other needs? Of course.

Today at 2 PM CST, in fact, we’ll have a chance to learn more as Eric Quill, Dan Hunt, and Andre Zanotta will go live on the first press conference of the year. The Lucho Acosta deal is expected to be made official. We should also get a glimpse of where the team sees themselves in preparation for the opening match of the season and what other changes may be on the way.

Of course, expect Afterburn to be on the call.

But here’s the bottom line. For all the complaining that FC Dallas were selling their best players and going to go cheap in 2025, that has been proven wrong. For all of the questions that Andre Zanotta is not able to get important deals across the line, that has been put to bed. For all the thought that 2025 was going to be another down year for this team, that is over.

Fans have every right to expect great things in Frisco as MLS prepares to kick off another exciting year of soccer.