Three FC Dallas Questions To Consider During The World Cup Break
FC Dallas cruised into the World Cup break in style with four wins out of their last five games, sitting fourth place in the Western Conference. That puts the Burn ahead of teams like LAFC and Seattle, something that seemed implausible at season's beginning. The vibes around Frisco are immaculate, and should remain so until the team's return to play in late July.
Even so the Toros do have some questions to answer going forward should they want to maintain or even improve upon their current status. Today let's examine three of those that deserve our mental attention while the team's on-field pursuits are paused.
One: Who is the FC Dallas goalkeeper long term?
This question got more complicated at break's beginning, as incumbent starter Michael Collodi was benched in favor of Jonathan Sirois for the club's last two games. Dallas won both, and Sirois did his part to insure victory in each match. With Eric Quill's priors of not removing players from the lineup until they earn their way out, it's reasonable to suspect that Sirois will be in net against Portland when Dallas returns to action.
That's not a guarantee. With what amounts to a second preseason on deck for Dallas, Quill could re-open the keeper competition in earnest. Let the pair battle it out at Toyota Soccer Center and see who earns (or re-earns) the starting job. It'd be unconventional, but not unforeseen.
The potential third door here is one worth exploring: bringing in a big name keeper when the next transfer window opens on July 13th. Dallas is spending a pittance on keeper salaries so far (3.5% of their total payroll per MLS Roster View). While it might not be the conventional strategy for this roster, going to get a higher quality keeper could push Dallas over the top. Dallas' back four has been a strength as a unit, adding a bona fide #1 keeper would buttress the defensive third.
I don't expect this to happen, but it's something Chief Soccer Officer Andre Zanotta and company should consider. Even if they don't add to the goalkeeper room, there's still a question of what name will lead the team sheet in Portland.
Two: What Does Dallas Do With Deedson and Enes Sali?
Let's go back to this past November, when I wrote the following in service of grading Zanotta's 2025:
Deedson falls into the latter category of what feels like wasted money. Not because of his performance; he only played 23 minutes this season. It's because despite spending somewhere in the high six/low seven figures(reporting is unclear), Deedson was inconsequential to the campaign.
Things haven't improved much for the Haitian international. Deedson has just 254 minutes for Dallas this season, with his last appearance was April 25th in the Seattle loss. After that match he hasn't been in the team at all, seemingly indicating he's no longer in Quill's plans.
The best case scenario for everyone is Deedson having a strong World Cup for Haiti, attracting a buyer post tournament. That would allow Dallas to open both a senior and international roster spot while getting an infusion of actual cash along with GAM (General Allocation Money). All of that would enable Dallas to improve the squad during the summer transfer window.
Should that not happen, the options become murkier. Maybe Dallas could find a loan, but that'd be a temporary solution to a problem they'd have to re-address in the summer. If Deedson is still here come the off-season, he becomes the primary buyout candidate. His contract doesn't expire until after 2028, with two options through 2030.
Meanwhile Sali comes due much sooner, as his loan to Al-Riyadh SC expires in June. It hasn't been super successful in Saudi for Sali, who has more yellow cards (2) than goal contributions (1, an assist). This signing is quickly becoming a huge bust for the club. Sali occupies a U22 AND international roster spot, two premium places being wasted. There doesn't seem to be any intent of Sali playing for the first team, so moving him onto his next destination is only fair for all involved.
That feels like it'll be difficult to achieve unless Dallas takes a loss. Which at this point they should, because the roster spaces are more valuable than claiming a profit. Getting him off the books so they can bring in literally anyone else is a necessity, by any means necessary.
Three: Where Does Bernard Kamungo Play Upon His Return?
A little original reporting here: On Friday before the Colorado win, I had a nice chat with Kamungo as he was finishing up his on-field rehab work. He noted that he was pain free and on track to return post World Cup break barring any sort of setback. Based on his demeanor and energy, the Abilene Dream is quite ready to be back playing for the Burn.
Kamungo's absence ended up being a change catalyst for Quill. With no starting left wing back and no suitable replacement emerging, Dallas shifted into their modified 4-4-2 that has carried them to the break. Notably that formation plays traditional fullbacks, which creates an interesting conundrum for Bernie.
In theory Kamungo could take up the left midfield role in the formation. It's the closest to his previous role and he'd have the most experience on that side of the pitch. There'd be competition, as Santi Moreno and Ran Binyamin have both shown aptitude for the position. Having depth on the left side would be a nice asset, as it's the weakest place on the field for Dallas.
Should Kamungo not win back his job on the left the other option is put him back on the right. He's played on that side before, and being left footed he can fill the popular meta of opposite footed wide players. That right side hasn't been nailed down either with Joaquin Valiente and Christian Cappis both taking it up since the change. Neither has quite locked down the job, and Kamungo could be the natural option. It'd allow Cappis to deputize more in central midfield, Valiente to move up field or come off the bench, and let Herman Johansson focus on right back.
One thing is for sure: Dallas needs to find Kamungo's role in this formation before they return to action. Even with his injury enforced absence Kamungo is fifth on Dallas' squad in goals added (G+), making him one of the Burn's most important offensive weapons. Getting him up and running should be a top priority come late July.
