- In 2014, returned to the playoffs for the first time in three years
- Finished 4th in the Western Conference
- Beat Vancouver in Knockout Round; knocked out by Seattle in conference semifinals
[ MORE: All of PST’s MLS previews for 2015 ]
Key player: Fabian Castillo
10 goals scored in 2014, matching his total from his first three season in Major League Soccer. One of the highest upside players since coming to MLS in 2011, Castillo finally came good on some of that potential in 2014, putting together multi-game runs of goalscoring production and game-changing impact. Another step forward is needed in 2015
Other names to watch: Mauro Diaz, Tesho Akindele and Matt Hedges
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Head coach: Oscar Pareja
An FC Dallas legend as a player, returned to coach the team in 2014 and led a significant turn-around in year one. Known for his tendency to favor and rely on young players, Pareja has already made the most of FCD’s talent-rich youth academy, getting significant contributions from midfielder Victor Ulloa and Kellyn Acosta in the 2014. The sky’s the limit for FCD as long as Pareja is in charge.
Outlook for 2015
They’re the Western Conference team that no one is talking about, and while that’s not a huge surprise given the other teams out west, it’s a huge mistake. There’s not many attacking duos better than Castillo, who will win an MVP one day, and Diaz, one of the league’s best playmakers. Once they’re into the playoffs, no one will want to play this exciting, dangerous, young team.