Photo Courtesy of FC Dallas
FRISCO, TEXAS — “Complacency is the first enemy for us”, were the remarks of Head Coach Nico Estevez, during the 2023 season-opening press conference.
Without a doubt, FC Dallas made waves this past 2022, as Estevez made his debut as the new leader of the North Texas team. After ending 2021 with a conference low and the sale of one of their top players Ricardo Pepi (for $20 million) the team had its work cut out that incoming season.
This led to a breakout start, with the whole organization looking for a sign of change, their first game against Orlando FC in 22’ marked a win but a change in direction. To recap Jesus Ferreira became the successor of Pepi along with breakout performances on the field from Paxton Pomykal, Alan Velasco, and Paul Arriola.
“We want to do more, that’s what we wanted to tell the players, this club wants more and that’s what we are going to do.” – Nico Estevez, FC Dallas Head Coach.
Clark Hunt saw the opportunity and growth of last year, not only did the bulls make it to the Western Conference Semifinals by defeating Minnesota United 5 – 4 in penalty kicks on a sold-out Monday night at Toyota Stadium; Leading them to face the new MLS starter team Austin FC. This would be the second MLS Cup Playoff featuring all Texas teams since FC Dallas lost to Houston in the 07 Conference semifinals. This was the golden opportunity of 2022 and what owner Clark Hunt believes is the new era for the team.
“2022 was an amazing year, we came out of it ahead of schedule. When we were going through the process of hiring Nico and his staff the goal was to make it to the playoffs” – Clark Hunt FC Dallas owner.
The hot take at the press conference, World Cup 2026 came to the discussion as it made news around the city Dallas would be a host city. “We are just three and a half years away from World Cup 2026, and FC Dallas is playing a major role in helping the city [Dallas] pull off this event. FIFA is going on a break right now coming out of the World Cup, they will do an audit and come back to us… Obviously, we are chasing to have the final or semi-final here, we want this to be the center of the World Cup 2026.
It seems as if 2023 is about the new era of FC Dallas, the build of the roster and the payoff of having the breakout season of last year be the new benchmark.
For Estevez, he plans to continue his strategic tactic of playing against non-MLS teams during the playoffs. “They can give us a tough experience, and we can try things that the opponents cannot see. We have to adapt to things and change things in order to not be predictable this year.”
When asked about the game plan for the season, Nico Estevez replied. “The hype of 2022 is normal, but we are human and humans tend to relax when they succeed or do things well. For us as a club, it’s important. What we did is fine – but we are not done yet.”
