FRISCO - In 2016, Walker Zimmerman has planted his name as one of the top young defenders in MLS already doubling his career highs in starts and minutes played for league-leading FC Dallas.
But deep down, he's still a forward at heart.
The Georgia native came forward to score his third goal of the season on Saturday, a goal that ties him for the MLS lead among defenders and his third goal from a set piece this season.
"It is why we play the game – to score goals. Even though I’m a defender, I have that forward mentality," said Zimmerman after the match. "I just love scoring. It gives you that thrill and adrenaline and there’s nothing like it."
Scoring goals is nothing new for the blossoming defender. Zimmerman tallied that unforgettable equalizer in last year's playoff win over Seattle, two in his rookie campaign and 11 times in two seasons at Furman University. When you combine a goal-hungry center back like Zimmerman with the set piece magic of Mauro Diaz, you know what's coming next.
"To have Mauro [Diaz] over there, sending in great balls is obviously extremely helpful," said Zimmerman. "On that particular goal we saw the same thing and he just put it in a perfect spot. I was able to put it past the ‘keeper."
Without the unpredictability of Fabian Castillo in attack, FC Dallas has had to be a little more pragmatic in the way they push forward and they have found contributors all over the field in attack. Six players have tallied for FCD in the last four matches, Zimmerman, Diaz, Tesho Akindele, Maxi Urruti, Michael Barrios and Victor Ulloa. Additionally, FCD has ten players with at least two goals this year, tied for second-most in the league.
"The thing I like the most in this group is they are really taking the journey one step at a time," said Oscar Pareja. "I want them just to come and perform every day the way they are and that makes me feel very honored to coach them.
Up next for Zimmerman and FC Dallas is an all-important Western Conference match against Colorado with a win nearly assuring a top 2 seed for FC Dallas in the upcoming MLS Cup Playoffs before hosting the New England Revolution in the 103rd Lamar Hunt US Open Cup Final on Tuesday, September 13th.
