2014 Record: 16-6-12, 54 pts, 4th in the Western Conference
Playoffs: Lost on the away goals rule to Seattle Sounders FC in Conference Semi-Finals
Additions: GK Dan Kennedy, D Otis Earle, M Alex Zendejas, M Atiba Harris, M Kyle Bekker, M Michael Barrios
FC Dallas scored a big win in the offseason when they earned the top selection in the dispersal draft for the players on the roster that was formerly Chivas USA. With that top pick, they selected arguably the best available asset on that roster in goalkeeper Dan Kennedy. Kennedy is widely considered to be one of the top goalkeepers in the league, he just happened to play behind the worst on-field team in the league for the better part of recent history.
Kyle Bekker was brought in during January in a trade with Toronto FC. Bekker is going to likely be the third-option in the two defensive midfielder rotation. He will fill the spot vacated by the departures of Adam Moffat and Hendry Thomas. Considering the rate that Michel is booked, Bekker could see some significant playing time in 2015.
A name in that list that you may not be familiar with is that of Michael Barrios. Barrios is a 23-year-old wing player who moved to the team on a free transfer from Uniautonoma in the Colombia First Division. He is only 5-foot-4 but by all accounts has some serious speed. In the last four years Barrios made 136 appearances for his club tallying 35 goals. Ryan Hollingshead may start the season on the wing but don’t be surprised to see Barrios take over before May.
Departures: GK Raul Fernandez, D Jair Benitez, D Walter Cabrera, D Nick Walker, D George John, D/M Je-Vaughn Watson, M Andres Escobar, M Peter Luccin, M Adam Moffit, M Hendry Thomas, M Brian Span, F Jonathan Top
Projected Lineup:
(4-2-3-1): Dan Kennedy; Moises Hernandez, Walker Zimmerman, Matt Hedges, Atiba Harris; Victor Ulloa, Michel; Fabian Castillo, Mauro Diaz, Ryan Hollingshead; David Texeira
Season Outlook:
The road to the playoffs just got that much more difficult for FC Dallas. They finished 4th in the Western Conference last season after a roller coaster year. In 2015 though, they will have to go through two more very tough opponents.
Chivas USA is gone, that is correct, and in their place comes Sporting Kansas City and Houston Dynamo into the Western Conference with the latest round of expansion. New York City FC and Orlando City SC joined the Eastern Conference prompting the realignment from the league.
The biggest problem for FC Dallas right now is their back four. There is no doubt that FC Dallas has one of the best attacking units in Major League Soccer but can they keep the ball out of the net is the question. Dan Kennedy is a significant upgrade between the posts but that may not matter if his defender continually breaks down like they did at Chivas.
Projected Finish:
6th in the Western Conference. First Round Playoff Loss to Sporting Kansas City.