They’re back! After missing the playoffs in 2024, FC Dallas returned to the MLS Cup Playoffs. 

For many, a positive season for the FC Dallas would’ve been making the playoffs again & progressing further than they had done in 2023 (were eliminated in the 2023 wild card versus Seattle Sounders as the 7th seed). Unfortunately, Dallas suffered a similar fate. The squad once again finished as the 7th seed and was unfortunately eliminated in the first round after their best of 3 series with Vancouver WhiteCaps FC after just two matches.

Taking a glance at the overall season, FC Dallas were much better last year. 

The team scored 2 less goals in comparison to 2024 & allowed 1 less goals than in 2024. Overall, the squad standings wise was better, was just barely worse offensively, & were just barely better defensively.

With their roster decisions published, Dallas will have a lot of roster flexibility.

 In the offseason guide:

The Positives

Dallas were honestly consistent in comparison to the 2024 season. The squad in 2024 scored 54 & allowed 56, whilst in 2025, the squad scored 52 & allowed 55. That’s pretty consistent.

Four different players (Musa, Julio, Acosta & Farrington) all scored 5+ goals this season. A total of 15 different goalscorers allotted for the squads 52 goals 

It was very positive to see Petar Musa remain as consistent as he did in 2024. The DP forward has 25 goal contributions in 2025 (18 goals & 6 assists), which was 5 more than last season (16 goals & 3 assists). 

The Negatives

Losing Lucho Acosta didn’t help this team. Lucho had 6 goal contributions (5 goals & 1 assist) when he forced his move to Fluminense. It will be imperative that FC Dallas look to replace the former MLS MVP as soon as possible.

Dallas is another MLS team that ultimately fell in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, where they fell 2-2 (4-3 in penalties) to the New York Red Bulls.

Losing out in the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs, though it was an improvement from last season, nevertheless, going out in the first round is disappointing. The squad battled to the end in their best-of-three series with Vancouver WhiteCaps FC, but were ultimately eliminated in the worst way, penalties. 

Roster Flexibility

FC Dallas will have a good amount of roster flexibility. At the moment, the club has one designated player (Petar Musa) and four U-22 initiative signings (Patrickson Delgado, Gevoane de Jesus, Kaick, & Enes Sali).

This club is currently in the 2DP and 4 U-22s model, which includes up to $2 million in GAM. Additionally, the club has $1,140,345 in GAM (as of Sept. 18, 2025).

The club announced their end-of-season roster update, where they announced most contract option decisions. 

The club is entering the 2026 season with 27 players rostered as of November 14th.

Offseason Priorities

Sign a second offensive Designated Player. You have Petar Musa! You must continue to build around him!

Find a replacement for Lucho Acosta. You need a midfielder to come in and the void left by him. You’re also losing Sebastian Lletget & 5 other midfielders. You need midfield depth.

Dallas also cut-ties with SIX forwards. They need to get a forward to help score goals!

Determine what you’re going to do with Enes Sali. He’s currently occupying a U22 initiative slot. Yes, he is 19-years-old, however, if you’re just going to keep sending him on loan, then maybe they should look at better alternatives for their roster right now.