Sep 13, 2016; Frisco, TX, USA; The FC Dallas team celebrates the win over the New England Revolution at Toyota Stadium. FC Dallas defeats the New England Revolution 4-2 to win the U.S. Open Cup. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

FC Dallas expects to make a run at the MLS Cup. This is a team that has its eye on the future, but is built to succeed now.

The beginning of the MLS season brings hope for every team. With the acquisition of players, the super draft and other changes, everyone feels they are a contender. FC Dallas is not in the category of “feels”, they know they are a favorite and head into this season with unfinished business to take care of.

FCD has been constructed with long term success in mind, but they have put together all the pieces to be considered a leading contender for the MLS Cup. Their off season additions were made with a Cup run in mind, but with an eye on the foreseeable future.

2016 Recap

Record: 17-9-8

Finishing Position: 1st

Post Season: Eliminated by Seattle Sounders in the Western Conference Semi-Finals (2 – 4 aggregate)

Dallas had an outstanding year capturing the Open Cup and the Supporter’s Shield in 2016. A playoff exit left FC Dallas with a less than expected ending to 2016. The loss of playmaker Mauro Diaz to injury late in the season left a huge hole as the playoffs started. Coupled with a hot Sounders squad, the playoff exit was sealed.

Transfers OUT:

Zach Loyd (D) – Expansion Draft (Atlanta United)

Aubrey David (D) – Contract option not picked up

Carlos Lizarazo (M) – Contract option not picked up

Getterson (F) – Contract option not picked up

Mauro Rosales (M) – Contract option not picked up

Juan Esteban Ortiz (M) – Free Transfer (Rionegro Aguila)

Norberto Paparatto (D) – Contract option not picked up

Fabian Castillo (M) – Transfer (Trabzonspor)

Carlos Ruiz (F) – Out of Contract

Moises Hernandez (D) – Free Transfer (Comunicaciones)

Ryan Herman (GK) – Free Transfer (Miami FC)

Transfers IN:

Roland Lamah (M) – Free Transfer (Ferencvaros)

Anibal Chala (D) – Transfer (El Nacional)

Reggie Cannon (D) – Signed to Homegrown deal

Cristian Colman (F) – Transfer (Nacional Asunción)

Hernan Grana (D) – Loan (All Boys)

Carlo Cermeno (M) – Loan (Deportivo Táchira)

Javier Morales (M) – Free Agent Signing

Jacori Hayes (M) – MLS Superdraft (1st round)

Walker Hume (D) – MLS Superdraft (2nd round)

Adonijah Reid (F) – MLS Superdraft (2nd round)

Overall, FC Dallas came through the winter transfer season with a stronger squad on paper. They were able to find an excellent replacement for Diaz in free agent Javier Morales. Morales has the experience in MLS to man Diaz’s position until his expected return around June. They also nabbed what many believe is a true number nine in Cristian Colman. They addressed their lack of options on the backline and used the Superdraft to acquire multiple players who could develop into contributors.

Positional Analysis:

The club is in an enviable position of having few, if any, holes in their roster. They have built up some good depth to help prevent drop off from injury, and to deal with their heavy schedule of multiple competitions.

Goalkeeping

The goalkeeping situation at FC Dallas is one to be watched early in the season. Chris Seitz is the returning starter and is a solid number one option. He is sound in his positioning and has excellent command of the box. His competition comes from Jesse Gonzalez.

Gonzalez was the starter heading into last season, but injuries and a run of poor form gave Seitz the opportunity to grab the spot away. Gonzalez is highly regarded and at 21 years old is still realizing his huge potential. No matter who claims the number one spot, FCD has two true starters to call on in net, an enviable position to be in.

Position Grade: 9 out of 10

Centerback

The middle is anchored by Matt Hedges and Walker Zimmerman, who are arguably the best centerback duo in MLS. Depth is a bit of concern behind the pair, but Superdraft second rounder Walker Hume will be given the opportunity to provide support.

All three have good height making them targets on corners and free kicks in the opposition half. FCD deploys targets their centerbacks on set pieces for headers on goal, or slips to the back post for an onrushing attacker.

Position Grade: 9 out of 10

Fullback

Manager Oscar Pareja likes for his fullbacks to get involved in the attack. This requires good instincts and the speed to transition between the attack and the defense.

Atiba Harris and Maynor Figueroa were the main holdovers of this group. Ryan Hollinshead provides depth at the back, but also is deployed as a wide midfielder at times. Hollingshead is recovering from broken vertebrae sustained when he was hit by a car while helping a stranded driver. His timetable for return is still to be determined and FCD will miss his versatility while he is out.

Dallas signed Reggie Cannon to a homegrown contract and young Ecuadorian international Anibal Chala to address the depth issue at the full back position. Chala is an exciting prospect who brings great pace and skill to the position. At just 20 years old, he has been a regular in the Ecuadorian first division since he was 16.

The fullback position appears to be stronger than last year with the addition of Cannon and Chala. How the group grades out depends on how much those two can contribute and how the group as a whole handles their defensive responsibilities.

Position Grade: 7 out of 10

Defensive Midfield

The preferred formation for FCD is the 4-2-3-1. Pareja likes to use two defensive midfielders to break up play and transition the ball to the attack. It allows some protection for the fullbacks to race up and down the flanks. FC Dallas have some of the brightest young defensive midfielders in MLS.

Academy graduate Kellyn Acosta and Ecuadorian international Carlos Gruezo form an imposing tandem in front of the backline. Both have the speed to cover a lot of ground. They also are skilled on the ball being able to make excellent reads to provide service to the feet of attackers. Another academy product, Victor Ulloa adds depth to the defensive midfield. He provides a solid option that allows Pareja the opportunity to rest Gruezo or Acosta without missing a beat.

Position Grade: 9 out of 10

Attacking Midfield

The attacking midfield saw the loss of one of their biggest weapons when Fabian Castillo went on loan to Trabzonspor midway through last season. Trabzonspor completed the transfer for Castillo during the winter transfer season, leaving FCD with a hole to fill on the wing.

Roland Lamah was signed on a free transfer to fill Castillo’s spot. The speedy winger has played in the top leagues in Europe including stops in Ligue 1, La Liga and the Premier League. Michael Barrios mans the other wing, and like the rest of the Dallas attack brings pace and skill to the pitch.

With Mauro Diaz sidelined in recovery until early summer, FCD turned to free agent Javier Morales to fill the void. Morales spent the last decade pulling the strings to the Real Salt Lake attack. His skill set fits perfectly in Diaz’s role and he should be able to keep the ship running until Mauro’s return.

Carlos Cermeno was brought in on loan to add another option. First round Superdraft pick Jacori Hayes brings a creative engine with an eye for goal to the group. Both of these players can play across the three attacking midfield positions giving more flexibility in Pareja’s options.

Position Grade: 8 out of 10 (without Diaz) 9 out of 10 (with Diaz)

Forward

Maximiliano Urruti was brought in for 2016 to be the number nine Dallas desperately needed. He responded by leading the club in goals. Despite that, it was a position that was viewed as the chink in the armor. This was mainly due to Urruti’s conversion rate.

FC Dallas looked to lock this position up by signing in demand Panamanian forward Cristian Colman. Colman’s stats and highlights show him to be a prototypical number nine. He has good height and is hard to knock off the ball. He makes smart runs and should be the beneficiary of many opportunities in the Dallas attack.

Tesho Akindele also provides another good depth option. If Colman comes as advertised, then this group will grade out even higher.

Positional Grade: 8 out of 10

Pipeline

FC Dallas is widely regarded as having the top Academy in MLS. Despite graduating players like Acosta, Ulloa and Gonzalez to the first team in recent years, there is quite a bit of talent to be excited about. Forward Coy Craft is the young player most likely to make a contribution this year. The 19 year old can be used in the attacking midfield as well. He saw some time in the US Open Cup and the Champions League last season.

Beyond Craft, there is a trio of players who could have a huge impact on the first team down the road. Forward Jesus Ferreira is the 16 year old son of former MLS MVP David Ferreira. He has been finding the back of the net at an impressive rate at every level of competition, and is expected to be a major contributor.

Paxton Pomykal is a defensive midfielder who reads the game well above his age. The 17 year old, has excellent vision and can deliver the ball in tight spaces. Bryan Reynolds is a 15 year old who has the total package. At 6’3″, the slender winger has incredible pace and is a natural finisher. He projects as a forward, but may find himself continuing to develop on the wing.

These are just four of the players FC Dallas fans have reason to be excited about. They also represent the long term viability of FCD’s potential success.

Projected Starting Lineup (4-2-3-1)

GK – Seitz

CB – Hedges

CB – Zimmerman

FB – Figueroa

FB – Chala

DM – Gruezo

DM – Acosta

LAM – Lamah

CAM – Morales

RAM – Barrios

F – Colman

2017 Predictions

FC Dallas expects to make a run at the MLS Cup. This is a team that has its eye on the future, but is built to succeed now. The keys to this season will be how well Morales can run the show until Diaz gets back to form. Also, how Cristian Colman adapts will be key to early season success. Finally, the performance of the fullbacks will determine if FCD has the defensive acumen to make a playoff run.

Expectation is for FC Dallas to compete for the Supporter’s Shield and to be one of the top two seeds in the west. Anything less than an MLS Cup appearance by FC Dallas will be viewed as falling short of expectation for a team that has been on the verge the last two seasons.

2017 MLS Team Previews