FC Dallas is Building a Long Term Contender
By Marcel Dumas
The strength of the FCD setup is in their youth system.
FC Dallas came up short in their chase for their first MLS cup last season. Despite not achieving that elusive goal, FCD took another step in the right direction. The evolution of the club is taking it down a path that points to potential long term success.
In MLS, fans have seen teams try and build their teams in different ways over the years. Some have opted for the path of continuity in their squads by keeping together a large solid core of players. On the other hand, some clubs have gone about signing highly rated designated players and tried filling out the roster around them. FC Dallas has taken a different approach that takes a little from both of those scenarios.
The strength of the FCD setup is in their youth system. FCD has expended a great deal of energy in building up their academy to try and produce a steady stream of homegrown players. With MLS rules providing an advantage for clubs to sign their academy players, developing them better and more frequently gives that club an edge over their competition in some ways.
With players like Kellyn Acosta, Victor Ulloa and Jesse Gonzalez playing key roles for FC Dallas, the investment is beginning to pay off on the field. Committing to the development of these players provides the club with a long term plan.
While these players will not necessarily be FCD players for their entire career, they are far from the short term rentals many other teams chase. This shows up in a greater amount of pride in wearing and love for the badge. These efforts should pay dividends in the form of keeping a nucleus of players for a longer term.
FC Dallas has not been a club who chases high profile DP’s (Not including the Denilson fiasco in 2007). FCD has opted to focus their DP energy toward younger players with high end potential. They have struck gold with South American imports Mauro Diaz and Fabian Castillo. Both have shown incredible playmaking skill, and are expected to continue to lead Dallas forward as they are both only entering their prime years, with Diaz 24 and Castillo 23.
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This season has seen FCD dip into the well again by signing Ecuadorian youngster Carlos Gruezo. The former Stuttgart midfielder was the youngest player on Ecuador’s World Cup squad in 2014. At 20 years old he brings high level competition experience along with high end potential.
While Dallas has identified and acquired some of the most exciting talent in MLS, they have augmented their roster with players that bring flexibility and an understanding of their given role. FCD has put together a roster with several players who can excel in multiple positions. This allows Dallas to match up with teams or cover for injuries with few setbacks.
Although they boast one of the younger teams in MLS, FCD does not lack for leadership. Matt Hedges is one of the most underrated players in United States soccer. The centerback leads by example on the pitch, and his ability to organize the back line is one of the reasons FCD had a stellar year defensively.
Next: FC Dallas had a great 2015 but they want more!
FC Dallas has built their current club on their youth system, smart DP signings and solid supporting cast. As long as they continue to stick to this model, they have the opportunity to be a force in MLS for several seasons to come. Maybe even lifting the MLS Cup along the way.