FRISCO, Texas — FC Dallas is coming into the 2023 MLS season after returning to the playoffs in 2022, finishing as the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference.
FC Dallas owner Dan Hunt and head coach Nico Estévez spoke with the media Friday at their season-opener press conference, just more than a month away from the first game against Minnesota United FC.
Estévez said he thought last year's team had the right mentality to finish the regular season and noted the team's defensive prowess. FC Dallas allowed only 37 goals in the regular season, second to only 26 by the Philadelphia Union. He mentioned the club's goal-scoring ability could improve.
The club finished right in the middle of the league (13th out of 28) in goals scored with 48. Jesus Ferreira and Paul Arriola accounted for 28 of those 48 goals.
"We're here to win championships... that's why we do this," FC Dallas owner Dan Hunt said when asked about the perception of the club being more focused on developing players rather than winning.
FC Dallas roster moves in the offseason:
With a new year, comes a new team. You'll recognize most of the names and faces for the 2023 FC Dallas squad, but there are some notable ones missing. Longtime defender Matt Hedges will not return to the club after 11 seasons in Dallas and joined Toronto FC as a free agent.
Another notable departure was forward Franco Jara. Jara and FC Dallas mutually agreed to terminate his contract on Jan. 10.
Defender Marco Farfan signed a contract extension with the club through 2026.
Another notable offseason signings include: former LAFC defender Sebastien Ibeagha, former Deportivo Cali forward José Mulato Palacios, former HNK Gorica defender Amet Korça and Cruzeiro defender Geovane Jesus.
"I'm very confident in the roster we have this coming year," Hunt said.
5 FC Dallas matches to look out for:
- Feb. 25: Season opener against Minnesota United FC
- March 25: Headed to LA to take on reigning champs, LAFC
- May 6: Welcome to DFW, St. Louis CITY SC
- Aug. 26: Austin FC comes to Frisco
- Sept. 30: Final Texas Derby match of season: Houston Dynamo
For a look at the entire season schedule, click here.
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