FRISCO, Texas (Aug. 25, 2025) — FC Dallas goalkeeper Michael Collodi has been named to MLSsoccer.com’s Team of the Matchday, presented by Audi, for Matchday 30, following his standout performance in Dallas’ 1-1 home draw with LAFC on Saturday night at Toyota Stadium.
The recognition marks the first Team of the Matchday starting XI selection of Collodi’s career and makes him the first Homegrown goalkeeper in club history to earn the honor.
A Breakout Performance Against Elite Opposition
Collodi, a Frisco native, was called into action against one of the league’s most high-profile attacking units, which featured international superstar Son Heung-Min, alongside the likes of Denis Bouanga and Carlos Vela. Despite facing an attack that posted a 2.4 expected goals (xG) total, the 22-year-old produced a career-best four saves, helping Dallas secure a valuable point in front of a sellout crowd.
The young goalkeeper’s composure under pressure, particularly in the second half when LAFC pressed for a winner, stood out. His reflex stop on a point-blank effort in the 72nd minute drew roars from the home crowd and was emblematic of the poise that earned him recognition from MLSsoccer.com’s panel.
Collodi now holds a 2-1-2 record across five career MLS starts, continuing to build momentum in what has already been a promising rookie campaign.
From Academy to MLS Recognition
Collodi’s journey to the first team is a testament to FC Dallas’ developmental pipeline. He joined the FC Dallas Academy in 2015 and honed his craft there before spending four years at Columbia University, where he established himself as one of the Ivy League’s top goalkeepers.
In 2024, Collodi signed with North Texas SC, FC Dallas’ MLS NEXT Pro affiliate, and immediately made an impact. He backstopped the squad to the 2024 NEXT Pro Cup championship, was named Goalkeeper of the Year, and even reached the final round of the Goalie Wars competition at the 2024 MLS All-Star Game, finishing as runner-up.
That progression set the stage for his first-team breakthrough in 2025. His Team of the Matchday honor highlights both his rapid development and Dallas’ continued success in producing impactful Homegrown talent.
A Bright Spot in Dallas’ Season
Collodi’s recognition also underscores a season in which FC Dallas has had several players earn league-wide accolades. His honor represents the 13th Team of the Matchday selection for an FC Dallas player in 2025, joining a group that includes Petar Musa, Luciano Acosta, Pedrinho, Sebastien Ibeagha, Logan Farrington, and Lalas Abubakar.
While Dallas has endured a challenging season, performances like Collodi’s offer optimism for the future. Head coach Nico Estévez praised the young goalkeeper’s resilience following Saturday’s match. “Michael has earned everything he’s gotten,” Estévez said. “For a Homegrown to step into a game of that magnitude and deliver, it speaks to his work ethic and the strength of our academy system.”
Team of the Matchday 30 Overview
Collodi was recognized alongside some of the league’s biggest names in Matchday 30. The Team of the Matchday starting XI featured Seattle forward Danny Musovski, Nashville playmaker Hany Mukhtar, and LAFC’s own Son Heung-Min, among others. Collodi was the lone Dallas representative and one of only two rookies selected to the team.
Looking Ahead
For Collodi, the honor is both a milestone and motivation. With FC Dallas navigating a demanding schedule down the stretch, he may have further opportunities to cement himself as a reliable option in goal. His steady performances could play a pivotal role as Dallas seeks to maintain consistency in a tightly packed Western Conference table.
As one of the club’s most promising Homegrowns, Collodi’s emergence adds to the rich history of FC Dallas talent making waves on the professional stage. For supporters, Saturday’s performance was more than just a draw against LAFC — it was a glimpse at the future between the posts.
Final Score: FC Dallas 1, LAFC 1
