FRISCO, Texas – FC Dallas added to its goalkeeping depth with its second-round pick Colin Shutler, who was selected 48th overall out of the University of Virginia in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft.
Shutler is a 6-foot-1 keeper from Middleburg, Virginia who played four seasons with UVA. In 2019, he became the first Cavalier goalkeeper to earn All-ACC First Team honors since MLS legend Tony Meola did so in 1989. Shutler played 45 games during his collegiate career, registering 19 shutouts, a 0.68 Goals Against Average rating as well as an 81% save percentage.
“It’s definitely a dream come true,” Shutler said after the draft. “Dallas is a great program that I watched growing up and I loved their style of play. I can’t wait to be included in the system and hopefully contribute to the team.”
In terms of play style, Shutler is comfortable with the ball at his feet—an important trait for Luchi Gonzalez’s preferred system of playing out of the back.
“I would say I’m calm on the ball,” Shutler said. “I like to keep the ball on the ground and play out of the back, manipulate how the other team presses us and keep possession. But like every other goalkeeper, I’d say that I’m good at shot stopping too.”
"Colin comes from a great program," said FCD's Director of Soccer Operations Marco Ferruzzi. "He's a modern goalkeeper who uses his feet well in distribution. He's a good shot-stopper who had a competitive career in a competitive conference and has great coaching behind him at Virginia. He's the type of player we want to take a chance on and see how he performs in (preseason) camp."
Shutler will have his chance to impress the Dallas coaches once he joins the team in Frisco for preseason in the coming weeks.
“I’m looking forward to gelling with the coaching staff and the team and just trying to fit in with the playing style and hopefully to compete for some minutes right away," Shutler said.
