FRISCO — As preseason winds down and the first MLS match approaches, FC Dallas is preparing to unveil a refreshed identity — one built on continuity, cohesion and a rising goalkeeper stepping into a long‑awaited opportunity.
Michael Collodi will enter the 2026 campaign as FC Dallas’ starting goalkeeper, earning the nod for Saturday’s home opener against Toronto FC at Toyota Stadium. For the Plano-born shot-stopper, it marks the culmination of a journey he began in 2015 when he first joined the club’s academy.
When injuries sidelined Dutch goalkeeper Maarten Paes last season, Collodi seized the moment. His performances showed a blend of composure and quality that made it clear he could handle the responsibility.
During the offseason, Paes returned to The Netherlands to sign with Ajax, opening the door for the 24‑year‑old Collodi to take over as FC Dallas’ full‑time starter.
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“I have a huge opportunity this year to come in and play a good amount of games,” Collodi says. “It’s the job I’ve wanted to do with this club for a long time.”
Collodi, who signed a Homegrown contract in January 2025, went on to start nine matches, logging 736 minutes, conceding eight goals, and recording three clean sheets.
Now, he steps into the No. 1 role with confidence — but also with a clear understanding of the pressure that comes with it.
“The mental game is huge,” he explains. “The most important thing is staying level‑headed—not getting too high with the highs or too low with the lows. You move on to the next action and don’t dwell too long on anything, good or bad.”
Optimism, continuity
Collodi’s personal goals align with the club’s ambitions: “Win as many games and trophies as we can. Whatever comes from that, comes from that.”
Midfielder Ramiro, one of the team’s emotional leaders, echoes Collodi’s optimism but highlights a different factor: continuity.
The Brazilian believes the stability of the roster is the biggest change from last season.
“Eighty or ninety percent of the group is the same,” Ramiro said. “So it’s easier to start the year already knowing the coach’s ideas and knowing your teammates.”
Ramiro joined FC Dallas last year from Cruzeiro (Brazil) and quickly became the team’s anchor thanks to his leadership and relentless work rate.
At 32, he understands the importance of setting the tone early, especially at home, where Dallas struggled last season.
FCD finished with a 6–8–3 home record in 2025, a disappointing mark for a club that traditionally relies on Toyota Stadium as a fortress.
“Unfortunately, last year at home we weren’t good,” the veteran said. “There’s no real way to explain why. The stadium being half‑finished affected things a bit, and we missed the fans. But the strength has to come from inside the field, never from outside.”
He doesn’t mince words: “We have to be stronger at home. We have to do better.”
Collodi agrees, noting the team enters 2026 with a clearer identity and a more defined style.
“We’re coming into this year knowing what worked for us and what we want to do from the start,” he said. “The team’s excited. We’re ready to come out in the first game at home flying.”
New season, same goal
Saturday’s home opener marks FC Dallas’ 31st season in MLS. Despite being one of the league’s founding clubs, FCD is still searching for its first MLS Cup, a contrast to reigning champion Inter Miami, which lifted the trophy in just its eighth year of existence.
“Their business model is different than ours,” says head coach Eric Quill, now entering his second season in charge. “We know what their model is, but they’re beatable, like anybody in this league. It’s not like they ran away with the league and dominated.”
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Quill’s vision for FC Dallas isn’t built on star power. It’s built on cohesion, identity, and a collective edge he believes can carry the club further than any marquee signing.
“That’s what you’re going to see from us—a cohesive team,” he says. “You may not recognize the names on our backs, but 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.”
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