p>In 2016, FC Dallas boasted a dynamic attack with options all over the field with six players who scored at least four goals and 50 goals scored overall this season good for eighth in MLS.
Putting together this list, I think you'll struggle to find a team that scored prettier goals than Dallas this season. Whittling down to the top five saw long range strikes, direct free kick goals and incredible assists left on the cutting room floor, but without further ado here are my top five goals of the 2016 season. Note These rankings are based on no scientific analysis nor do they take into account significance of the goals. Just the five prettiest. Here we go.
#5 Maxi Urruti at NYCFC - Saturday, September 17
Playing just a few days after the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup triumph over New England, it would have been easy for Oscar Pareja's side to have a figurative or literal hangover heading up to The Big Apple for the first-ever game at Yankee Stadium, but Dallas came in and earned a hard-fought and wild 2-2 draw in one of the most exciting games of the season.
I think this goal has been forgotten a little bit given the other amazing things that happened in September and October, but wow what a strike. At almost no angle, Urruti was able to slam it off the underside of the crossbar and in. Take a bow, Maxi!
#4 Victor Ulloa at Colorado - Saturday, July 23
I'll admit it, this is my favorite goal of the year. Even in a year where Dallas took home two trophies, this is the goal that stands out to me.
FC Dallas headed to Colorado for this match on the back of a grueling 90th-minute Open Cup quarterfinal win at Houston that was played in sweltering and oppressive heat. There was also the matter of Fabian Castillo's absence and a Colorado team flying high and looking to take back first place in what was FCD's 6th game in 20 days.
After playing very well at a place where the Rapids did not lose in the regular season, Dallas needed a spark off the bench and got it from the Homegrown, Victor Ulloa. In what will probably be the sweetest strike of his career, Ulloa beat the outstretched Tim Howard to earn a priceless point for Dallas that ended up being the difference in the Supporters' Shield race. This draw was celebrated like a win.
#3 Maxi Urruti at San Jose - Friday, July 8th
Just a few weeks before Ulloa's strike, Maxi Urruti popped up in the perfect spot at the perfect time to score the beautiful bicycle kick. This goal secured a vital three points for Dallas on the road in a very tough place to win.
I think maybe it doesn't quite get to the #1 spot simply because of the proximity to goal, but take nothing away from the strike. Maxi sure had some good ones in 2016.
#2 Fabian Castillo - Saturday, June 25
You've seen the bicycle kick goal, but a bicycle kick assist? That was a new one and you just know it had to come from Mauro Diaz. Not only was it an audacious effort, but Diaz plays it better than pretty much all of us could have played it when we were actually facing the goal.
Pair that with the pretty unreal curled finish by Castillo and you've got the second-best goal of 2016. You just won't see many like this ever again. Funny enough, just a few days later Castillo would go on an incredible 50-yard run before sliding the pass to Mauro Diaz for the goal in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup win over Colorado.
#1 Maxi Urruti vs Chicago - Saturday, July 16
In his time with FC Dallas, Fabian Castillo probably attempted this at least once a game and when it finally came off it was a thing of beauty. The Colombian beat two defenders before sending in the audacious rabona cross that Maxi Urruti finished with authority. Yet another goal that you might see once a year across all major international leagues and truly a world-class highlight from Castillo and Urruti. Just enjoy it over and over. If you hang around for a little while longer, you'll be rewarded with Mauro Diaz scoring a 25-yard goal of his own.
