How FC Dallas Could Look The Rest Of 2025
As FC Dallas stares down the final third of the Major League Soccer season, questions stare back. Five points separate the Toros from a play-in place, eight from a playoff spot proper. Seven of the final ten games are against Western playoff teams, meaning the postseason road is thorny.
All this presents Eric Quill and company with a crossroads: Play to salvage 2025 or play with 2026 in mind. The former is the "proper" choice: never giving up while giving fans hope until season's end. Especially when you consider Quill's promises of playoffs and trophies, it's hard justifying a season ending punt.
On the other hand 2025 appears to be a lost cause with regards to the postseason. Dallas is averaging 1.04 points per game, which isn't enough for the playoffs. Improving that would take multiple wins down the stretch, which feels unlikely. Planning for the future could be the best use of their remaining time resources.
Since both are viable, let's examine the possible on-field looks of each option.
Option A: Fight for the 2025 playoffs
In this scenario you're likely to see Dallas maintain status quo, playing their best ahead of their brightest. Playing for now means utilizing your most in-form talent at the expense of future development. As such, it'll look something like this:
With everyone healthy this is probably Dallas' best 11 by talent. Petar Musa and Logan Farrington are scorching hot right now, leading the offense as a tandem. Putting the returning Anderson Julio on the opposite side utilizes his speed to stretch opposing defenses, opening spaces for the strike duo.
Acosta is the controversial choice based on his 2025 performance (or lack thereof), but if you're committed to getting everything out of this roster Acosta should start. If he can get with the program (a fair question at the moment), his skills are helpful. For this particular set-up to work, Acosta has to transform his game to fit Quill's game model. I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt that he will, despite my previous writings that say otherwise.
Kaick and Ramiro is the best midfield pairing, but with one caveat. They should operate as a single pivot (or hinge as Dallas soccer legend Steve Davis coined on a pregame show awhile back) with Kaick going forward while Ramiro stays back. This allows the Pitbull to maraud up-field, using his industry and strong tackling in turnover generation and overloads. Ramiro meanwhile helps organize the backline giving Dallas an extra body to shut down opposing offenses. Dallas tends to struggle when Ramiro goes up-field, so leaving him in the back half is the correct call.
The back line is self explanatory. Osaze Urhoghide and Sebastien Ibeagha are the most consistent center back pairing Dallas has, which makes them a no-brainer selection. Same with Shaq Moore on the right who has planted his flag at right back. Is there anyone behind him? Don't worry about that right now.
Left back is the only question with the departure of Marco Farfan to Liga MX side Tigres. That leaves Homegrowns Nolan Norris and Josh Torquato as the options filling Farfan's shoes. After his showings in Farfan's injury enforced absence, Norris is the objective best choice. He's earned the chance to seize the starting spot, with Torquato spelling him in case of rest or a shift to wing backs for a game.
Maarten Paes is also a lock for this best talent eleven.
Bench options
Sebastian Lletget is the versatile first off the bench player, being able to play everywhere in the pitch's center. Same with Patrickson who has excelled recently in both central and more advanced midfield. For a jolt of energy Sam Sarver and Pedrinho can come on late to unlock defenses. Deedson is here now which could push one of those two out of a job.
Alvaro and Lalas Abubakar represent defensive options, including the option to go three at the back or chase set piece goals late. Tsiki Ntsabeleng can slow a game down with more possession and shifty midfield moves. The final non backup keeper spot belongs to Christian Cappis, a two way type who can keep pace at game's end helping patrol the midfield.
The biggest downside is there's minimal if any room for players like Tarik Scott, Diego Garcia, Anthony Ramirez, and other prospect type players. Alas, that's not the goal of this setup. You worry about later when later gets here if you're chasing a playoff spot.
Option B: Play for 2026 and beyond
In this scenario Dallas will still roll out high end players, but supplement them with youngsters who need more on pitch time. "Play the kids" has long been a squad ethos, one that Quill has leaned into since taking the manager's job. As such, my interpretation of this lineup would look as such:
The top and bottom of this eleven both look the same with Paes, Musa, and Farrington. All three should play if possible.
Our first change comes with Alvaro replacing Ibeagha next to Urhoghide. The young Portguese center back has shown energy, effort, and athleticism when called upon by Quill this season. Putting Alvaro next to one of MLS' top center backs should not only cover his mistakes, but allow the youngster a wonderful learning opportunity. That duo also becomes a top five fastest at the position, along with a giant set piece threat. Even if it's not a perfect pairing, it's easily the most exciting combo.
Midfield is where this looks different. Shifting out of the 4-2-3-1 into the 4-4-2 diamond is less about tactics, more about getting these specific players involved. Kaick stays in as the lone defensive mid, with cardio machines Diego Garcia and Cappis ahead of him. No one is going to outpace or outwork this group on both ends of the pitch. Both Cappis and Garcia need MLS experience, but they have talents which should bear fruit when given opportunity.
Meanwhile at the top of the diamond is Patrickson, who's earned more playing time and shows better higher up the field. His versatility means he can play wide or underneath, opening up how Dallas attacks. It also gives Dallas quality on set piece delivery, something they've struggled with despite having Acosta.
Patrickson gets the nod over both Acosta and Pedrinho because he's been consistent when given minutes, yet still needs more growth chances. He's also been jerked around to different positions so giving him a consistent role is crucial.
Bench options
Whereas the starting eleven is younger, the bench is where Dallas deploys its veterans. Lletget, Ramiro, Julio, Acosta, and Deedson all get automatic spots. Having them available lets Quill shift into different formations depending on game state. Tactical flexibility is something Quill has been vocal about, and those five give him a good amount. Ntsabeleng could also force his way in, although that'd require some shifting in that aforementioned quintet.
With Collodi as the backup keeper that leaves three spots to fill. Torquato gets one as the backup left back/left wing back. One of Ibeagha and Abubakar gets the obligatory center back spot. That leaves a competition for the final spot which should go to a striker. Sarver, Scott, and Bernard Kamungo are the contenders there and could rotate as needed. It'd create the training ground competition that Quill requires in his squad.
In conclusion
If it was my decision, and thank heavens it isn't, I'd pick Option B. The upside in the replacements mixed with the strong quality all across the field could be enough to propel Dallas into the playoffs. At minimum, you'd be getting a look at the Toros' future in real time.
There's value to both as a consumer product. One of the struggles Dallas has displayed this season is creating an interesting on-field product, specifically at home. Giving supporters something to root for, even if it's next year, would help fill Toyota Stadium down the stretch. Let the natural energy of those young players carry into the stands, a beautiful loop of soccer inertia that could make the difference in tight moments.
Be it short term or long term, Dallas needs to display they have a plan as an organization. This remains a rebuilding organization, which is fine as long as there's a concrete advancement plan. Otherwise, nothing that happens can be considered productive or positive.