Football Season Guide

MLS

USA

MLS

2017

FC Dallas 96

In

Anibal Chalá(def) (El Nacional), Jose Salvatierra(def) (Alajuelense - Loan), Roland Lamah(mid) (Free), Javier Morales(mid) (Free), Jacori Hayes(mid) (Draft), Cristian Colman(att) (Nacional Asuncion), Hernan Grana(def) (All Boys - Loan), Carlos Cermeño(mid) (Deportivo Tachira - Loan), Walker Hume(def) (Draft)

Out

Aubrey David(def) (Released), Carlos Lizarazo(mid) (Released), Getterson(att) (Released), Juan Esteban Ortiz(mid) (Released), Mauro Rosales(sp)(mid) (Released), Norberto Paparatto(sp)(def) (Released), Ryan Herman(gk) (Released), Carlos Ruiz(sp)(att) (Released), Zach Loyd(r)(def) (Zach Loyd), Moises Hernandez(sp)(def) (Released), Colin Bonner(att) (Retired), Timo Pitter(mid) (Retired)

FC Dallas enjoyed a historic campaign last season as they lifted their first pieces of silverware in nearly two decades as they beat New England Revolution in the US Open Cup final before holding out against Colorado Rapids to secure the Supporters’ Shield. Their playoffs campaign though suffered a premature end as they were knocked out of the Conference Semifinals by eventual MLS Cup winners Seattle Sounders. Oscar Pareja will be extremely delighted with what his side achieved last season but the Dallas coach will be looking for more when the new campaign kicks off with a difficult trip away to LA Galaxy. Pareja has spent the off-season looking to strengthen the areas which let his side down in their brief playoffs run and one of their biggest acquisitions will be that of Javier Morales who will provide a reliable backup to Mauro Diaz. Dallas struggled every time Diaz missed playing time due to injuries and Pareja will be hopeful that Morales' experience will provide some much needed fillip in the creative aspect of their play. Max Urruti provided a decent source of goals for Dallas last season, scoring 10 times in his first season with the club, and Pareja has looked to boost his attacking options by bringing in Cristian Colman from Nacional Asuncion while Anibal Chala and Hernan Grana will provide pacy alternatives for Pareja in the fullback positions. There have not been any major departures for Dallas during the off-season though Fabian Castillo converted his loan stint at Trabzonspor into a permanent move while Zach Loyd and Mauro Rosales have also left the club, with the duo having played a peripheral role last season. Pareja has also trimmed the deadwood with Moises Hernandez, Juan Esteban Ortiz, Aubrey David, Carlos Lizarazo, Norberto Paparatto and Carlos Ruiz all released from their contracts. With LA Galaxy facing a big change both in terms of staff and personnel, the Western Conference looks to be a straight fight between Seattle and Dallas this season, barring any surprises, and Pareja's side should not have any trouble booking their place in the playoffs, though the Dallas coach will be aiming for their first MLS Cup appearance in seven years.

Target

Pareja will be looking for another successful season by being in the fight for silverware including run up to the MLS Cup final