Contesting the Western Conference, FC Dallas is a well-run soccer club and one of the steadier sides since 1996. It belongs to the Fort Worth metroplex around Dallas. Once known as the Dallas Burn, it took the FC Dallas name in 2004 and moved north for its home matches.
FC Dallas first played at the Cotton Bowl and has used three different homes over its history. A series of moves eventually took them to Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas.
The International Federation of Football History and Statistics placed FC Dallas 190th in its best-clubs ranking, credit to steady leadership under the Hunt Group, jointly owned by brothers Clark and Dan Hunt. The club has a wide fanbase and a trophy haul that includes two U.S. Open Cups.
History Of FC Dallas: Founded In 1995
FC Dallas was founded in 1995 and began play in 1996 as the Dallas Burn, renamed FC Dallas in 2004. The roots are in Dallas, with home matches in Texas. The journey has been a rollercoaster, including settling for MLS runner-up in the 2010 final against the Colorado Rapids in a tight game.
Voted the 9th best club in CONCACAF, FC Dallas has built a wide fanbase. Hugo Sanchez was the first designated player and, with others, featured in the club's first match on April 14, 1996, a win over the San Jose Clash.
Q: When was FC Dallas originally founded?
Ans: FC Dallas was originally founded in 1995.
WHO Was The Founder Of FC Dallas?
FC Dallas was founded by the Hunt Sports Group, headed by brothers Clark and Dan Hunt.
Dan Hunt has served as club president. The Hunt Group is widely known for its ties to other major franchises, including the Kansas City Chiefs.
President Of FC Dallas As Of The 2022/23 Season: Dan Hunt
As of the 2022/23 season, Dan Hunt was central to FC Dallas and steered it through a winding journey. He is part owner of the Hunt Sports Group, the entity behind the club.
Dan led FC Dallas through a stretch that brought two U.S. Open Cups, showing real leadership and a knack for smooth transitions across the club's active years.
He was named president in 2014 and also served as president of Dallas' host-city bid. The club backed that up with modern, well-kept facilities, all following the footsteps of his late father Lamar Hunt.
Stadium Of FC Dallas: Toyota Stadium
The FC Dallas stadium story is unusual: the club has called three grounds home over time. The first was the Cotton Bowl Stadium, which they left in 2005. Next came the Dragon Stadium at Southlake, followed by the current Toyota Stadium in Frisco.
Toyota Stadium holds 19,096 for soccer. It has also housed the National Soccer Hall of Fame since 2018, and it plays on a Bermuda grass surface. It was built and expanded by Lee Lewis Construction, Inc, supported by Frisco Independent School District.
Q: What is the name of FC Dallas' stadium?
Ans: FC Dallas first played at the Cotton Bowl Stadium, which they left in 2005, then Dragon Stadium at Southlake, and now the current Toyota Stadium in Frisco.
Fans And Culture Of FC Dallas
FC Dallas has a passionate fan base. Its supporters are diverse, from families and casual fans to die-hard ultras leading the noise from the stands, united by a love of the game and the club.
One of the most iconic traditions is the pre-game tailgating in the parking lot outside Toyota Stadium, where fans gather over food and drink before heading in. One notable group is the Dallas Beer Guardians, known for creative, rowdy chants and their fondness for beer.
Another group is El Matador, known for colorful tifo displays and support on and off the field. FC Dallas fans are known for loyalty to the club and love of the sport.
FC Dallas prides itself on a distinct culture, one built on nurturing homegrown talent and fielding a team that reflects the local community. Rather than chasing big-name imports, the club has found success developing youth-league players from around Dallas and Fort Worth.
That focus has produced a side that wins on the pitch and connects with its community. As a former player, I respect it: it is far harder to build from your own academy than to buy a squad, and Dallas has proof it works.
FC Dallas Key Individuals
Notable Players In The History Of FC Dallas
Over the years many talented players have worn the red and white. Among the most notable is the versatile midfielder Carlos Ruiz, who scored 82 goals in 128 appearances for the club.
Another standout is Oscar Pareja, a fan favorite in the early 2000s who later became head coach and led the team to multiple playoff runs.
Others include Jason Kreis, who played for nearly a decade before coaching the team to its first MLS Cup final in 2010. Defender Matt Hedges, a longtime captain, earned MLS Best XI honors in 2015 and 2016.
Best Manager In The History Of FC Dallas
FC Dallas has had several capable managers, but one name stands out: Schellas Hyndman. Head coach from 2008 to 2013, Hyndman led the team to real success, including a run to the MLS Cup Final in 2010. He was named MLS Coach of the Year in 2010 and was a two-time finalist for the award.
Hyndman brought deep experience, having coached at college level for over 30 years. He was known for developing young players, many of whom went on to succeed in MLS and beyond. His impact on FC Dallas is still felt, and he remains one of the most respected figures in the club's history.
FC Dallas Record Breakers
All-time Top Scorers Of FC Dallas
In the early days of MLS few players were as prolific as FC Dallas legend Jason Kreis. The forward joined the Dallas Burn in the inaugural season and quickly made his mark by scoring the first goal in team history. He went on to lead the team in goals and points on multiple occasions.
In 1999 Kreis was named league MVP after a 15-goal, 15-assist season. He kept making history, becoming the league's all-time leading scorer in 2004 with his 89th goal, and was the first American-born player to take the MVP title.
| NAME OF THE PLAYER | NUMBER OF GOALS SCORED |
| Jason Kreis | 97 |
| Kenny Cooper Jr. | 49 |
| Blas Perez | 42 |
| Fabian Castillo | 39 |
| Carlos Ruiz | 39 |
Q. Who's the all-time leading goal-scorer in MLS?
Ans. Chris Wondolowski has scored 174 goals, the record for the most goals by a player in MLS.
All-time Top Assist Providers Of FC Dallas
Colombian winger Michael Barrios signed with FC Dallas in 2015 from Uniautonoma. He scored a hat-trick in the 2018 season against Sporting Kansas City. In 2021, after six seasons, Barrios was traded to the Colorado Rapids.
He left as the club's second all-time leader in combined goals and assists, with 30 goals and 40 assists from 2015, and top-5 in MLS for assists in 2017 and 2019.
| NAME OF THE PLAYER | NUMBER OF ASSISTS |
| Michael Barrios | 48 |
| Mauri Diaz | 40 |
| Jason Kreis | 35 |
| Oscar Pareja | 33 |
| David Ferreira | 32 |
Who Has The Most All-time Appearances For FC Dallas?
Matt Hedges was one of the better defenders in MLS from 2014. The center back also made the MLS Best XI in 2015 and 2016.
| NAME OF THE PLAYER | NUMBER OF APPEARANCES |
| Matt Hedges | 349 |
| Jason Kreis | 277 |
| Bobby Rhine | 229 |
| Ryan Hollingshead | 222 |
| Michael Barrios | 211 |
Most Expensive Transfers In The History Of FC Dallas
In February 2022 the promising Argentine Alan Velasco arrived at FC Dallas for a record fee, underlining the club's aim to develop stars for the future.
| NAME | CLUB FROM | CLUB TO | TRANSFER AMOUNT |
| Alan Velasco | Independiente | FC Dallas | $6.36m |
| Bryan Acosta | CD Tenerife | FC Dallas | $2.8m |
| Paul Arriola | D.C. United | FC Dallas | $1.82m |
| Carlos Gruezo | VfB Stattgart | FC Dallas | $1.5m |
| Geovane Jesus | Cruzeiro | FC Dallas | $1.37m |
Q. What was the original name of FC Dallas?
Ans. FC Dallas were one of the 10 founding members of MLS. Before 2005 they were known as the Dallas Burn.
FC Dallas: The Live Picture
History and records are settled, but the current squad changes every window. For live squad ratings, fixtures and transfer news, head to our FC Dallas club page and see who is carrying the shirt today.
Conclusion: Overview Of FC Dallas Legacy
FC Dallas is one of the most recognized franchises in MLS history. Since being founded in 1996 the club has been a regular in the playoffs, reaching them an impressive 16 times and taking multiple division titles. What sets Dallas apart is its steadfast commitment to youth development.
The club's productive academy has produced a run of talented players who stepped up to the senior team, including several who went on to represent the United States national team.
That emphasis on young talent has fed the club's on-field success and cemented its standing as one of the most respected and forward-thinking franchises in MLS.