The story of FC Dallas history highlights the growth of the FC Dallas football club as one of the top names in FC Dallas soccer. Founded in 1996, the club has built a strong reputation for developing young talent and competing at the highest level of MLS, showcasing the pride of Frisco, Texas.
Established
1995
City
Dallas
League History
1996 – Present / Major League Soccer
Team History
2005 – Present / FC Dallas
1995 - 2004 / Dallas Burn
Nickname
FC Dallas – Every sports fan knows that FC Dallas is one of the most successful teams in Major League Soccer (MLS). But what many don’t know is how they got their nickname. The origins of FC Dallas’ nickname can be traced back to when the team was founded in 1995 as part of a merger between two professional soccer clubs, the San Antonio Thunder and the Dallas Tornado.
FC Dallas Origin
“FC Dallas” was chosen for its dual-city representation and nod to both cities' football histories. In addition, it also served as an homage to several prominent European football clubs who use “FC" or "Football Club" as part of their official names (such as Manchester United F.C.).
While there are no official records confirming why precisely this particular name was chosen for this MLS franchise. It's likely due to its combination of local pride with international recognition - something that has long been associated with American sports franchises such as baseball's New York Yankees or basketball's Los Angeles Lakers.
Today, over twenty years since its inception into MLS play, FC Dallas continues to represent not only Texas but also a global appreciation for all things related to soccer and sports culture at large!
Championship
MLS Cups 0
Stadium
2005 – Present / Toyota Stadium
2003 / Dragon Stadium
1996 - 2002, 2004 - 2005 / Cotton Bowl
Owner
2006 - Present / Clark Hunt
2001 - 2006 / Lamar Hunt
1995 - 2001 / Major League Soccer
- 2005
- 2006
- 2010
- 2015
- 2016
-
FC Dallas Team Formation
In March 2005, FC Dallas signed Guatemalan forward Carlos Ruiz, who had scored 50 goals in 72 games for the Galaxy and earned the MVP award for helping them to the 2002 MLS Cup. On August 6, FC Dallas played their inaugural game at Pizza Hut Park and tied the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, 2–2. Ranked second in the West ... -
FC Dallas wins the Western Conference regular season title
In 2006: FC Dallas wins the Western Conference regular season title, but is eliminated by Colorado Rapids in the conference semifinals. -
FC Dallas hammer Los Angeles Galaxy to reach first MLS Cup final
In 2010: FC Dallas celebrates with their trophy after defeating the Los Angeles Galaxy in their MLS Western Conference Final playoff match, Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010, in Carson, Calif. FC Dallas won 3-0. FC Dallas has its best season in club history, finishing third in the Western Conference and reaching the MLS Cup final for the second time, where they ... -
FC Dallas wins its first Supporters’ Shield
In 2015: FC Dallas wins its first Supporters’ Shield, finishing with the best regular season record in MLS with 60 points1. The club also wins its second trophy, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, by beating New England Revolution 4–2 in the final. In the playoffs, FC Dallas beats Seattle Sounders FC on penalties in the conference semifinals, but loses ... -
FC Dallas’ 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Victory
In 2016: FC Dallas repeats as Supporters’ Shield winners, tying with New York Red Bulls on points but having a better goal difference. The club also wins its third trophy, the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, by beating New England Revolution 4–2 in the final again. In the playoffs, FC Dallas suffers a shock defeat to Seattle Sounders FC 4–2 ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
FC Dallas History
FC Dallas history dates back to 1996 when the club first joined Major League Soccer (MLS) as one of its ten founding members under the name Dallas Burn. The FC Dallas football club quickly became recognized for its exciting playstyle and passionate fan base in Frisco, Texas. Later, in 2005, the club rebranded as FC Dallas, symbolizing a new era of ambition and regional pride within FC Dallas soccer.
During their early years, the team showed promise by reaching the 1997 MLS Cup Final, narrowly losing to D.C. United 3–2 after extra time. The FC Dallas football club continued to make progress, and by 1999, they captured their first major trophy — the U.S. Open Cup, defeating the Rochester Raging Rhinos 2–0. They repeated this achievement in 2001 with a 2–1 victory over the New England Revolution, firmly establishing themselves as a competitive force in FC Dallas soccer.
In 2010, the FC Dallas football club enjoyed one of the most memorable seasons in FC Dallas history by winning the Supporters’ Shield for the best regular-season record and clinching another U.S. Open Cup title with a victory over the Columbus Crew. That same year, they reached the MLS Cup Final once again, demonstrating the growth and determination of the FC Dallas soccer franchise.
Dallas Club Achievements
Throughout the 2010s, the FC Dallas football club remained a consistent playoff contender, showing impressive depth and player development. They made appearances in several finals, including the 2011 MLS Cup loss to the Colorado Rapids and later defeats against the Seattle Sounders and Columbus Crew. Despite the setbacks, FC Dallas history continues to be filled with resilience and dedication to excellence.
The club’s commitment to nurturing young talent has been a defining feature of FC Dallas soccer. Their youth academy has produced several stars who have represented both club and country, reinforcing the club’s vision for long-term success. FC Dallas also made a strong mark in international play, advancing to the semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions League in 2020 before a narrow penalty defeat to Tigres UANL.
Today, FC Dallas history stands as a proud story of growth, loyalty, and competitiveness. With continued investments in player development and passionate support from fans, the FC Dallas football club remains one of the most respected names in FC Dallas soccer, constantly striving for more trophies and greater heights in the MLS landscape.
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history