FRISCO, Texas — FC Dallas didn’t get the start it wanted in the second half, but it found a way to finish the regular season with a win.
After falling behind early in the second half, Dallas answered with three goals to beat the Colorado Rapids on Decision Day. The victory moved FC Dallas to 58 points and secured second place in the Western Conference.
It was a strong finish to a regular season that produced the third-highest point total in club history. Dallas will now face the Portland Timbers in the Audi 2026 MLS Cup Playoffs.
The home side had its chances before halftime but couldn’t get anything past Colorado. That became more frustrating when the Rapids scored shortly after the break.
Dallas didn’t spend much time trailing.
JoaquÃn Valiente got the comeback started with his third goal of the season, finishing a play set up by Kaick. The goal gave Dallas some life, and the team continued to put pressure on Colorado.
Kaick eventually got on the scoresheet himself, recording his fifth goal of the season. Santi Moreno added another, also reaching five goals on the year, as Dallas took control of the match.
Head coach Eric Quill was pleased with how his team responded, especially after a first half in which he felt Dallas had done enough to score.
Quill also pointed to the contributions from the bench, saying the players who entered the match helped change the game.
For him, the response after Colorado scored said a lot about this group.
“They’re warriors, man,” Quill said. “They don’t question themselves or each other.”
That mentality has been important for Dallas throughout the season. Quill said the biggest improvement from last year has been the team’s ability to remain consistent from one match to the next.
Forward Logan Farrington admitted there was some frustration as the chances continued to go unfinished. Dallas also had a goal ruled out for offside, but the team kept attacking.
He said the comeback was another example of the group continuing to work rather than letting missed opportunities get in the way.
Now the attention turns to Portland.
Quill knows the trip will present a challenge, particularly with the Timbers playing at home. Dallas will have the international break to study its opponent and get ready for the opening round.
Farrington also understands what’s at stake. He said home-field advantage has been important for Dallas this season, and the team wants to take advantage of the opportunity it earned by finishing second in the conference.
The regular season is over. Dallas has its playoff position, and now it gets a chance to see what it can do with it.
