NEW YORK (Sept. 8, 2025) — Major League Soccer announced today that FC Dallas goalkeeper Jacob Jackson has been voted the MLS Player of the Matchday for Matchday 32 of the 2025 season. Jackson’s record-setting debut performance, which featured 12 saves, tied the club mark for most in a single match and matched the league record for most saves by a goalkeeper in their first game with a new franchise.
Jackson is the fifth FC Dallas goalkeeper to earn the prestigious award and the first since Petar Musa claimed the honor on Matchday 21 of the 2024 campaign. He also becomes just the second goalkeeper in MLS this season to secure the honor, joining elite company across the league.
A Memorable Debut Between the Posts
Jackson’s opportunity came under extraordinary circumstances. Called upon in the 16th minute after starting goalkeeper Michael Collodi received a red card, the 23-year-old Jackson entered in relief against St. Louis CITY SC in a hostile environment at Energizer Park. Despite the challenge, he delivered a performance that immediately etched his name into FC Dallas history.
His 12 saves tied the franchise’s single-game record, a mark previously set by veteran keepers, and stood as the second-highest total by any MLS goalkeeper this season. Combined with Collodi’s two stops before his dismissal, Dallas’ 14 total saves set a new club record for most saves in a match.
Jackson’s tally also tied the MLS record for most saves by a goalkeeper making their franchise debut, equaling the feat set by Matt Napoleon of the Miami Fusion on August 23, 1998, against the Kansas City Wizards.
Recognition of a Historic Effort
FC Dallas head coach Eric Quill praised Jackson’s resilience. “To come off the bench cold, in that environment, and make save after save was special,” Quill said. “He gave us a chance to fight for a result, and he showed the type of quality we know he has.”
Jackson credited both his teammates and the FC Dallas goalkeeper group, which includes Maarten Paes, Drew Keeshan, and Collodi. “This wasn’t just about me,” Jackson said. “Michael made two incredible saves before I came on. We all push each other every day, and this award is for the whole group.”
FC Dallas Goalkeepers Honored as Player of the Matchday
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Jacob Jackson — Matchday 32 (2025)
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Jeff Cassar — Matchday 15 (2004)
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D.J. Countess — Matchday 28 (2003)
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Matt Jordan — Matchday 5 (1999)
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Mark Dodd — Matchday 11 (1996)
Jackson’s recognition further cements the legacy of FC Dallas’ goalkeeper pipeline, which has produced standout performances across nearly three decades of league play.
Selection Process
The MLS Player of the Matchday is determined each matchday of the regular season through a voting process conducted by MLS Communications. A panel of journalists from the North American Soccer Reporters (NASR) accounts for 75 percent of the vote, while fans contribute the remaining 25 percent through an X (formerly Twitter) poll. NASR’s membership includes media across print, television, radio, and online platforms.
What’s Next
FC Dallas (7-11-10, 31 points) will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 13, hosting in-state rivals Austin FC at Toyota Stadium in a special DC Super Hero & Kick Childhood Cancer Night presented by Children’s Health. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT, with live streaming available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV and radio coverage on the official FC Dallas app.
As FC Dallas continues its playoff push, Jackson’s emergence adds another layer of excitement for supporters. His debut not only secured a valuable road point but also set the tone for the kind of resilience and fight the club will need in the weeks ahead.
About Major League Soccer
Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer features 30 clubs throughout the United States and Canada. For more information about MLS, visit MLSSoccer.com.
