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” 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.
History of the FC Dallas
FC Dallas is a professional soccer team in Major League Soccer (MLS) that has existed since 1996. The team was initially founded as the Dallas Burn. They were one of the original ten teams to join MLS when it launched in 1996. Over the years, FC Dallas has become one of MLS’s most successful clubs, with four significant championships over their 24-year history.
In 1997, just their second year as an organization. FC Dallas made its first appearance at an MLS Cup final but lost to D.C United 3-2 after extra time on a golden goal from Eddie Pope for D.C United’s third championship title in four seasons at that point.
In 1999 and 2001, the club won two U.S. Open Cup titles by defeating Rochester Raging Rhinos 2–0 and the New England Revolution 2–1, respectively. These would be their only silverware until 2010 when they finally captured both another US Open cup title by beating Columbus Crew 2-1.
Later they went on to win their first-ever Supporters Shield, which is awarded annually to the best regular season record holder across all leagues within North America's top division soccer league system (MLS).
Since then, however, success hasn't been so easy going for FC Dallas, who have yet capture another piece of silverware. Despite making three more appearances at finals, including losing out 1 - 0 against Colorado Rapids back in 2011, followed up by losses against Seattle Sounders 4 -2in 2014 & again this past 2020 where they fell short once more versus Columbus Crew SC 3 – 0.
Despite these setbacks though FC Dallas have remained competitive throughout this period maintaining consistent playoff qualifications every season bar 2018 & 2019 along with being regular contenders for various other competitions such as CONCACAF Champions League where last year saw them reach semifinals before getting knocked out 5 – 4 aggregate score line following penalty shootouts loss vs. Tigress UANL from Mexico thus ending what could've potentially ended up being historic run towards continental glory had things gone differently!
Sports Fan Products
Retired Number
*Blue is this team’s history