STWF Sports | FRISCO, Texas | August 17, 2026 — FC Dallas defender Lalas Abubakar has been named to the MLSsoccer.com Team of the Matchday Starting XI for Matchday 20, adding another highlight to his strong performance in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Austin FC.
The recognition is Abubakar’s first Team of the Matchday Starting XI selection of the 2026 season and comes after the veteran center back delivered one of his most impactful appearances of the year.
Lalas Abubakar Shines in Rivalry Match
Abubakar opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time against Austin, rising to meet a corner kick and directing a header into the net to give FC Dallas a 1-0 advantage. The goal was his first of the season and helped set the tone in a rivalry matchup Dallas ultimately won on the road.
Beyond the goal, Abubakar also provided steady possession from the back, completing a team-high 33 passes in the victory.
The performance was especially notable considering Abubakar had made limited starts this season. His return to the lineup gave Dallas an experienced presence in central defense, and he responded with a performance strong enough to earn league-wide recognition.
It is not the first time Abubakar has landed on the Team of the Matchday list.
The Kumasi, Ghana, native previously received the honor on August 11, 2025, after scoring in FC Dallas’ 2-0 shutout victory over the Portland Timbers.
Abubakar was not the only Dallas player recognized for the Austin win.
Forward Petar Musa was named to the Team of the Matchday bench after scoring the game-winning goal in the 2-1 result. Musa’s finish continued his strong 2026 campaign and gave him another notable performance in what has developed into a productive season.
Musa currently leads the MLS Golden Boot race and has been one of the most frequently recognized FC Dallas players this season.
He has earned Team of the Matchday Starting XI selections on Matchdays 1, 4 and 8, while also being named Player of the Matchday for Week 4. His latest bench selection on Matchday 20 adds to an already impressive list of league honors.
FC Dallas has received contributions from several players throughout the season.
Logan Farrington earned a Matchday 1 bench selection and Matchday 5 Starting XI honor. Osaze Urhoghide was named to the Starting XI on Matchdays 2 and 6, while Kaick earned a bench selection on Matchday 12.
Sam Sarver was named to the bench for Matchday 14, while goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois earned a Starting XI selection on Matchday 19.
Abubakar now joins that group following a performance that combined defensive composure with a decisive set-piece goal.
The Matchday 20 Starting XI also included Simon Becher, Bruno Damiani, Hany Mukhtar, Elias Saad, Djé D’Avilla, Niklas Dorsch, Cavan Sullivan, Andrew Gutman, Reggie Cannon and goalkeeper Sean Johnson. Nashville SC head coach B.J. Callaghan was selected as coach.
For FC Dallas, the recognition adds another positive note following an important rivalry victory.
Abubakar’s performance in Austin also reinforces the value of squad depth as Dallas continues through a demanding stretch of the schedule. With multiple road games ahead, having experienced players ready to step into the lineup could prove increasingly important.
After making his opportunity count against Austin, Abubakar now has league recognition to go along with the goal — and another reminder that even limited minutes can produce major moments.
