Match Preview: Toronto FC vs. FC Dallas

Toronto FC opens the 2026 regular season against FC Dallas on Saturday night at 8:30

Who Are Ya? - FC Dallas

FC Dallas is one of those middling teams in MLS that seems to be hanging around every year in the regular season yet does not make any noise in the playoffs or cup competitions. Dallas has made the playoffs three out of the last five seasons, missing out in 2021 and 2024. In the 2025 season, the team finished 7th in the Western Conference and bowed against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first round under MLS's crazy best-of-three format. They also bowed out of the US Open Cup in the Round of 16 to New York Red Bulls.

FC Dallas hold the all-time head-to-head record against Toronto with 9 wins, 4 draws, and 4 losses. The last time Toronto and Dallas faced off was on 4 May 2024 at BMO Field. Toronto FC emerged victorious with a 3-1 result, thanks to two goals from Federico Bernardeschi and one from Matty Longstaff. Out of the 15 players that saw minutes for Toronto, only six remain with the club to start the 2026 campaign.

Dallas head coach Eric Quill is entering his second season with the club and looking to improve upon the 44 point season. Quill is an MLS career player, starting with the Tampa Bay Mutiny in 1997 and finishing up with the NY/NJ Metrostars in 2005. It's his first head coaching job in MLS, having been an assistant with Wilfred Nancy in Columbus and managing USL side New Mexico United.

Quill, in preparation for the 2026 season, states, "you’re going to recognize a style of play, an aggressiveness, and a mentality that’s going to win a lot of games. And I don’t care how it’s done, but it’s going to get done." Perhaps it's going to mean more possession, as FC Dallas had only 40.6% possession last year, which was second-worst in the league just in front of Minnesota United.

Toyota Stadium, FC Dallas' home ground, is undergoing a $180 million (US) renovation that started in January 2025. As a result, the stadium's capacity has been diminished to only 11,000 until phase one of the renovations are over this summer. The stadium is slated to be completed for the 2028 season. One of the most important additions is a roof covering the seats to provide some respite from the hot Texas sun during day matches and perhaps some cover from the rain when those inevitable thunderstorms roll into Frisco.

Behind Enemy Lines - Opposition Intelligence Report

In this week's edition of Behind Enemy Lines is brought to us by the 3rd Degree - The Independent Professional Soccer News Source for DFW and North Texas. Check out their excellent work at 3rddegree.net - my personal favourites are the 3rd Degree Podcast and the in-depth matchday -1 and post-game coverage.

Thanks to Buzz Carrick from 3rd Degree for giving us an insider's perspective on FC Dallas.

1) Dallas finished the season with an average of 40.8% possession - second-worst in the league --- just ahead of Minnesota United. How do you think head coach Eric Quill is looking to improve upon the lack of possession and the 44 point season in 2025?

Coach Quill isn't looking to improve possession; given the way FCD plays, it means nothing. Improving on the 44 points will come down to improving the points total at home and maintaining the way the team played over the final 10 games or so (after they got rid of Lucho Acosta).

2) Petar Musa has been a fantastic signing for FC Dallas in his year and a half with the club. Has Dallas signed any offensive reinforcements that will alleviate some of the pressure on Musa?

Herman Johansson is a new offensive-minded wing back who will bring goals and assists, which should help on the offensive end.  Just last week, the club signed a young 10 from Uruguay, Joaquín Valiente. Later this year, Valiente could have an offensive impact, but I would be shocked if you saw him this weekend, as he doesn't have his visa and isn't cleared to play yet.

3) Toyota Stadium is undergoing a huge $180 Million US renovation. What do you think is the best aspect of the renovations and why is it a roof to protect you from the hot Texas sun?

The roof and the massive tv screens. It's crazy hot here, and fans need help.

4) What is your go-to food item from the concessions at Toyota Stadium that enhances your game day experience?

This will be a boring answer cause I don't eat stadium food. I eat before the game somewhere else (I like to mix it up). So I guess a Coke is the answer. 

5) Predict the score of Saturday's FC Dallas - Toronto FC match.

While I like what Toronto is doing, they don't have all the pieces yet. Dallas has brought back basically the same team that ended last season so require little adaptation.  2-0 Dallas. 

Opposing Players to Watch

Petar Musa - The Designated Player and Croatian international scored 18 goals in MLS Regular season last year and is looking to start off strong against Toronto. Musa joined Dallas in 2024 from Benfica and has been lighting up the league - scoring 34 goals in two MLS seasons. Hopefully TFC will have an answer for him on defense to minimize the impact on the game.

Herman Johansson - A high-profile offseason signing from Swedish side Mjällby AIF, Johansson is expected to start on the right side as a wingback. His ability to track back and defend against TFC’s pacey wingerswhile still providing crosses for Musa will be a key tactical battleground.

Logan Farrington - he has cemented himself as the perfect partner for Musa up top who recorded 9 goal contributions last year. While defenders focus on Musa, Farrington often finds space in the channels or picks up "scraps" in the box. His chemistry with Musa is the most developed part of the Dallas offense, and he’ll be looking to start 2026 with a statement performance at home.

The TFC Connection

While there are no current players on Toronto or Dallas' roster that have played for both squads, there has been a total of 23 players that have suited up for both squads.

Some more high-profile movements in TFC history was the trade of Julian De Guzman in 2012 to make room for a DP spot and brought in Andrew Wiedeman, the trade of Jackson to TFC, the trade of Jesus Jiminez to Dallas for Brandon Servania, and the short-lived signing of free agent Matt Hedges.

Let's TF-See - Toronto FC's Current Form

Toronto enters the 2026 season with a lot of question marks - but one is not around the revamped defense. They look much harder to beat than they did in 2025, but the question remains whether they have enough offensive firepower to win games when they aren't playing from ahead.

There is only one player listed on the injury report: Henry Wingo (leg) However expect Theo Corbeanu, Matheus Pereria, Nicksoen Gomis, and Emiliano Aristizabal to see limited minutes due to the lack of match fitness.

Prediction: FC Dallas 3-1 Toronto FC