FRISCO, Texas – FC Dallas added a new attacking threat with the signing of Jesús Jiménez from Toronto FC just days ahead of the 2023 Home Opener.
Dallas traded Homegrown midfielder Brandon Servania to Toronto to acquire the veteran striker as well as an international roster spot to supplement its forward line. Jiménez scored nine goals and added three assists in 33 leagues appearance for Toronto last year. The 29-year-old joined MLS from Poland’s top division where recorded 37 goals and 22 assists over four seasons.
“Jiménez brings experience and goals. He also brings an understanding of the game,” said head coach Nico Estévez, who kicks off his second season in charge this Saturday. “He’s good at linking play, creating combinations and movement in the box.”
The desire for another striker came into focus following the departure of Franco Jara earlier this offseason. Estévez mainly used Jara as a second-half impact sub but Jiménez will likely see a more substantial role. It’ll be interesting to see how that affects the role and position of Homegrown forward Jesús Ferreira, who led the team with 18 goals as a central striker last season. Estévez hints at the possibility of a Ferreira and Jiménez strike partnership for the upcoming season:
“Last year we learned that playing with two forwards can be good for us. That’s something that we can apply more often this year. They both understand that system and can play together. Jesús Jiménez has similar qualities (to Ferreira) and can drop deeper to get the balI while Jesús (Ferreira) stays higher. It could be more like two forwards rather than a #10 and one forward.”
The trade undeniably strengthens FCD’s front line but it comes at the expense of one of its beloved Homegrown talents. Servania joined the club’s Academy as a teenager before signing a pro contract after one collegiate season at Wake Forest. The 23-year-old made 67 league appearances and scored four goals (including the absolute banger above) since making his debut in 2019.
“We love Brandon, his personality, the way he plays and everything he’s done for the club throughout the years after coming to the Academy and reaching the first team,” Estévez said. “We wish him all the best and I think it’s a good opportunity to reach his best level.”
“Toronto showed interest in Brandon late last year and in order to bring in Jiménez we had to make this tough decision to let go of one of our own," said FCD technical director André Zanotta. "We’re going to miss Brandon a lot but this was a move we needed to make.”
FC Dallas begins its regular season campaign against Minnesota United FC this Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7:30PM at Toyota Stadium.
