2026 FC Dallas Preview: Embrace The Special

In setting out to write this year's opening day essay, my initial idea was based around squad evolution. It centered around the notion that FC Dallas found proof of concept last year, so 2026 became the year they'd need to evolve into that next level of team. One that maybe isn't a title contender yet, but is on the cusp of consideration.

Then Thursday, this happened.

If you've been living under a rock for the last 48 or so hours, that's American gold medal figure skating winner Alysa Liu. Her performance in Milan and subsequent reaction were inspiring. It was a stunning display of athleticism, balance, and creativity from someone wearing swords strapped to their feet in front of the whole world. Every layer you add to Liu's story makes it more incredible, even for someone like me who can't tell you the first thing about figure skating.

You don't need any knowledge of the sport to know that Liu's showing in Italy was historic and wonderous. Moments like this are what makes sports beautiful; a shared understanding of greatness. Appreciation doesn't require understanding, it requires observation and feeling. Liu's beautiful grace during the routine and raw emotion after melded into a singular fantastic moment that transcends all language and culture. It speaks to our primal recognition of greatness.

By now you're wondering "What does this have to do with FC Dallas?"

Liu's performance isn't just a masterful exhibit of her own talent, it's a reminder to all of us. It instructs us to cast aside the higher aspirations at time and focus on what matters: those special people making special moments.

Dallas's squad is full of those people. We forget too often as a supporter that even the bench's last occupant has more soccer talent than 99% of the world's population. That means the best players on the roster? They're in a strata like Liu, doing things at an elite level that command our appreciation.

Players like Petar Musa, arguably the best striker in FC Dallas history. He ascended to legendary status in 2025 with 18 regular season goals, tying three others who have reached that mark. His mastery in the eighteen yard box at his peak was breathtaking, yet somehow still underrated nationally. When his light was on, Dallas' offense was unstoppable. Opposing defenses slept horribly before matches wondering what the Moose had in store. They slept even worse after experiencing it live in living color.

Speaking of defenders, Musa's equal at the back of the formation arrived from France last winter. Osaze Urhoghide went from virtual unknown to Best XI quality center back. Enemy strikers stood no chance against his aggression, speed, and desire to shut down their land and air attacks. The unsuspecting attacker assassin led the Dallas back line, setting a tone while raising the tide for all his fellow defenders.

Overcoming expectations, Michael Collodi rose from afterthought to MLS #1 in the span of two seasons. He made the most of every chance, showing that it's not about the looks but about the ability. He did it at Columbia, then North Texas SC, then the first team. All it took was that one opportunity, someone to give him that opportunity. Entering 2026 he's THE example of turning "You can't" into "I can."

It's not just those three. There's stories of excellence still awaiting the quill's touch. The midfielder from Brazil nobody heard of, the fireplug attacker forcing his way onto the field with charisma and gumption, the immigrant wing back who personifies what makes the American Dream such a romantic concept, and so many more. This squad is loaded with players, stories, and performances worth appreciating at every level.

So while the team focuses on taking that next step towards unified eternity, supporters should focus on those moments of individual greatness. Those showings that remind us why we love sports: people making the impossible look simple. Winning is important, nothing feels quite like it. Even when we're deprived of victory's delicious fruit, there's plenty from which to be nourished in every performance.

So join me fellow Burn fans in looking for and embracing the special. Find those moments of magnificence and let them light the way for a magical 2026. As the team gathers more and more of them, so too will collective glory follow.

Just look at this essay's inspiration. Alysa Liu achieved individual brilliance and in turn accomplished her ultimate goal. Should Dallas check off their utmost goal come early December, assembling those singular moments into a symphony of soccer greatness will be how it happens. 30 players, five coaches, one trophy.

Be brilliant lads. Never let your blaze fade.

Burn baby burn, all the way to eternity.