FRISCO, Texas — The first steps toward the 2020 season are underway, starting with the video for the schedule release. The video references significant events in club history while giving nods to the past like the Dallas Burn, Jason Kreis and Bobby Rhine.
If there was anything that you missed in the video or any references you didn't quite catch, we've put together a list of each artifact in the 2020 schedule release video.
Jason Kreis Bobble Head
When you talk about Major League Soccer or the FC Dallas franchise, Jason Kreis’s name will almost certainly be brought up. Signed to the Dallas Burn in 1995 just before the inaugural 1996 MLS season, Kreis was the first American-born league MVP. He led MLS in points in goals that season, which was the first time anyone had a 15-goal and 15-assist performance. Kreis holds the FC Dallas record for games played (247), goals scored (91) and assists (65). He would later be traded to MLS expansion side Real Salt Lake in the 2005 season — becoming the club’s first player as well. To say he’s a club legend in Dallas would be an understatement.
Dallas Burn Media Guide (1996) Burn Schedule (1997) Burn Tickets (2001)
In order to talk about the legacy of FC Dallas, you have to begin where it all started. The Dallas Burn became one of 10 MLS clubs in the inaugural 1996 season. Mexican international legend Hugo Sánchez became the club’s first signing, and along with Jason Kreis and company, the team lifted its first trophy in 1997 after winning the U.S. Open Cup. The club played in the Cotton Bowl before moving to Dragon Stadium in 2003, but moved back to its former home in 2004. The club would be rebranded in 2005 and would be known as “FC Dallas”. The team relocated to Frisco, Texas in its current home — Toyota Stadium.
1996 MLS Inaugural Season (Collection Pin Set)
The 1996 inaugural season was a major milestone for the sport of soccer in America. The 10 teams who were a part of the inaugural season were the Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew, Dallas Burn, D.C. United, Kansas City Wiz, Los Angeles Galaxy, New England Revolution, NY/NJ Metrostars, San Jose Clash and Tampa Bay Mutiny. The teams each played 32 games, and back then, a win counted as three points, a loss counted as zero, and a shootout win counted as one point. The 1996 MLS Cup was won by D.C. United after it defeated LA Galaxy 3-2 in the championship match.
1997 U.S. Open Cup Champs (Photo)
The 1997 season was a special one for the FC Dallas/Dallas Burn franchise. The club lifted its first trophy after defeating D.C. United in penalty kicks to win the U.S. Open Cup in Indianapolis, Indiana. The game remained a stalemate through 120 minutes, and it had to be decided in penalty kicks. D.C. United missed its second PK, and the burn ended up winning the shootout 5-3.
2016 U.S. Open Cup (Trophy & Banner)
The 2016 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup was one of two trophies FC Dallas had won that season along with the Supporters’ Shield. The road to the final was an exciting and nerve-wracking one. In the fourth round, FC Dallas barely squeaked by USL side OKC Energy FC in a 6-5 penalty shootout win. Two more wins against the Colorado Rapids and Houston Dynamo set up a memorable semifinal matchup against the LA Galaxy, where Matt hedges and Victor Ulloa both scored two headers to send FCD through to the final against the New England Revolution. FC Dallas then defeated the Revs, 4-2, to lift its second U.S. Open Cup — this time in front of its home crowd. Mauro Diaz put on a clinic in the midfield, and Matt Hedges and Maxi Urruti scored goals of their own as well.
Lamar Hunt Statue
The man who started it all. Lamar Hunt was one of MLS’ founding investors, and he was the first to build a soccer-specific stadium in the United States for the Columbus Crew in 1999. When the United States was awarded the 1994 World Cup, Lamar was key in bringing the tournament to America, and this event was also instrumental in the creation of MLS. The U.S. Open Cup was named in his honor in 1999 because of his contributions to the game of soccer in America. The continued success and growth of youth soccer in Dallas and the surrounding areas is directly related to Uncle Lamar’s four decades of supporting soccer at all levels. His vision is carried on today through his sons, Clark and Dan, and the fans of FC Dallas. Since his passing in 2006, players of FC Dallas have worn a patch with the initials LH to honor the legacy of Lamar Hunt.
2009 Jeff Cunningham (Golden Boot Trophy)
Jeff Cunningham has the greatest second-half performance of any season in MLS in 2009, where he scored 16 goals in FC Dallas’ last 14 games of the season. His 17 in total was good enough to win the league Golden boot that year, and he was also named Team MVP after his incredible season. His Golden Boot sits prominently in the National Soccer Hall of Fame, and it’s an important piece of FC Dallas history that many recent fans may not know about.
Western Conference (Trophy)
At the end of the 2010 season, FC Dallas stood firmly in third place in the Western Conference. After defeating Real Salt Lake in the conference semifinals, FC Dallas came up against LA Galaxy in the conference finals. Goals by David Ferreira, George John and Marvin Chavez helped FC Dallas dismantle the Galaxy in front of their home fans, and it ended an impressive conference playoffs run. 2010 was also the first year FC Dallas won the Western Conference.
El Capitán (Cannon)
A giant World War 2 cannon, El Capitán is awarded to the team that wins the Texas Derby in a given season — between FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo. FC Dallas currently holds El Capitán following a 5-2 thrashing of the Dynamo in Toyota Stadium this season, and the all-time record is currently tied at seven each since 2006. The Texas Derby is FC Dallas’ main rivalry in MLS these days, and the club has won El Capitán five times in the last seven seasons.
Red Kit Evolution (2018, 2016, 2014, 2010, 2001, 2000, 1998)
Whether it be in hoops or a solid color, the red home kit has been a staple of both the Dallas Burn and FC Dallas franchises. From the red and black of the Burn, to the red and white hoops, and now the Texas flag-themed tops, the red home jerseys are a fan favorite of the club — especially the hoops.
