FRISCO, Texas (Feb. 7, 2026) — FC Dallas continued its blistering preseason form Friday night, opening Torneo de Tejas play with a commanding 3–0 victory over New York Red Bulls at Toyota Stadium. Behind a clinical brace from Logan Farrington and a first-half strike from Anderson Julio, Dallas dictated the tempo early and never relinquished control across the opening 90 minutes. This match showcases the team’s effort to establish a strong foundation for the upcoming MLS season. Every player on the field contributed to this effort, as FC Dallas showcased their tactical prowess and ability to adapt to different phases of play, setting the tone for a promising season ahead.
The result extended FC Dallas’ perfect preseason run to 4-0-0, marking a significant achievement in their preparation journey. The club now boasts an impressive tally of 15 goals scored and just three conceded as preparations intensify for the 2026 MLS campaign. While preseason results are often taken with caution, the consistency shown by Dallas in both their attacking efficiency and defensive organization has been difficult to ignore. The coaching staff has emphasized the importance of maintaining this momentum, as they aim to translate this success into the regular season. Furthermore, new strategies implemented in training have enhanced player chemistry on the field, leading to a more cohesive unit as they approach the competitive matches ahead.
Farrington set the tone in the 22nd minute with his third goal of the preseason, showcasing both his skill and confidence as an attacker. He finished a sequence that highlighted Dallas’ willingness to play direct when space presents itself, an approach that could prove beneficial in high-stake matches. Christian Cappis launched a long ball forward that found Bernard Kamungo breaking behind the Red Bull back line. Kamungo calmly squared the ball into the path of Farrington, who expertly timed his run, demonstrating his sharp positioning and awareness, and slotted a composed finish inside the far post to open the scoring. This moment not only exemplified the individual talent on display but also highlighted the team’s strategic planning aimed at exploiting defensive weaknesses of opponents.
The breakthrough appeared to settle Dallas, which grew increasingly comfortable in possession as they dominated the midfield. They began to stretch the New York Red Bulls laterally, creating multiple scoring opportunities. That pressure paid dividends just before halftime. In the 45th minute, Anderson Julio doubled the advantage with a well-taken finish, capping a strong first-half performance where Dallas consistently won second balls and disrupted New York’s buildup play. Such ability to control the game not only illustrated the players’ fitness levels but also their tactical understanding, which will be crucial as they face stronger opponents in the league.
Moments later, Farrington struck again from the penalty spot to make it 3–0, further solidifying his status as a key player for FC Dallas. Sam Sarver earned the penalty after drawing a foul inside the box, and Farrington showed no hesitation, confidently sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to secure his brace and underline his strong preseason form. This type of composure in pressure situations is exactly what the coaching staff hopes to cultivate in their players as they gear up for the MLS season, emphasizing the need for confidence and precision when it matters most.
Defensively, Dallas was anchored by goalkeeper Michael Collodi, who delivered another steady outing and preserved the clean sheet with a critical penalty save against Emil Forsberg. The stop proved to be a momentum-defining moment, denying New York a foothold in the match and reinforcing Dallas’ defensive confidence. Collodi’s performance not only highlights his individual capabilities but also reflects the team’s commitment to defensive integrity, which will be vital as the competition intensifies. The defensive unit’s coordination, communication, and collective effort were evident throughout the match, showcasing their preparedness for the upcoming season.
As the match progressed into its third segment, head coach Eric Quill continued to rotate personnel, emphasizing depth and evaluation rather than game management. North Texas SC goalkeeper Nicolás “Nico” Montoya made his FC Dallas debut after replacing Collodi, gaining valuable minutes in a controlled environment. While New York managed to find the net twice in the final portion of play, the damage had already been done, and Dallas’ early dominance stood as the defining storyline of the night. This strategy of player rotation not only tests the depth of the squad but also allows for assessment of emerging talents who could play pivotal roles as the season unfolds.
Dallas’ first starting XI featured Collodi in goal behind a back line of Bernard Kamungo, Shaq Moore, Osaze Urhoghide, and Sebastien Ibeagha. The midfield included Kaick, Cappis, Ramiro (captain), and Don Deedson, while Julio and Farrington spearheaded the attack. The second group saw continued rotation, with Montoya, Joshua Torquato, Nolan Norris, Lalas Abubakar, Sarver, Ran Binyamin, Caleb Swann, Patrickson Delgado, Ricky Louis, and Nick Simmonds all featuring, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of player performance and fitness levels. This emphasis on squad rotation is crucial in ensuring that all players are battle-ready for the rigors of the MLS season.
With Torneo de Tejas play underway and the regular season drawing closer, FC Dallas continues to check key preseason boxes: goals from multiple attackers, strong defensive structure, and meaningful minutes for emerging contributors. If these early signs translate into league play, Dallas appears well-positioned to enter the 2026 MLS season with momentum firmly on its side. As they refine their strategies and solidify team dynamics, fans have every reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead for FC Dallas in the upcoming season.
