2020 Outlook
FC Dallas has had one fo the lengthiest preseasons in the history of MLS with a whopping ten matches across a 23-day period, which started with a doubleheader on January 29 against OKC Energy FC and NTX Rayados. Matches followed against the Vancouver Whitecaps, San Diego Loyal SC, Los Angeles SC, Austin Bold and San Antonio FC, before they returned to California for their final pre-season stretch.
They open their MLS campaign with two home games, including hosting the Philadelphia Union on opening weekend. Their first road game of the season comes against Eastern Conference champions New York City FC, before they play MLS Cup champions Seattle in one of the toughest starts to the term.
It does not get much easier, with a home game against Los Angeles FC followed by a three-match road stint. They will travel to the Portland Timbers, Minnesota United and the Colorado Rapids as they aim to get their campaign off to a good start.
The first Texan Derby of the season comes on May 16 when they host the Houston Dynamo before the return fixture comes around in late-August. In a packed July, FCD will host the San Jose Earthquakes, LA Galaxy and Orlando City in back-to-back-to-back weeks.
Their run-in is also tough as they have to face the Timbers, LAFC, Seattle and the Whitecaps, before facing the LA Galaxy on Decision Day. FCD will also compete in the U.S. Open Cup, entering in the third-round stage, but missed out on the Leagues Cup by a single point, the Timbers knicking in ahead.
Will it be another postseason year for FC Dallas? The additions to the squad could certainly bring that about, with the likes of Picault and Santos adding to the firepower they already have. Could this, however, be the year they get their hands on the MLS Cup? Probably not, but the playoffs is a very strong possibility.