FRISCO, Texas – It’s safe to say that Jimmy Maurer has earned this.
The 32-year-old goalkeeper signed a contract extension with FC Dallas this week, extending his stay at Toyota Stadium until at least 2023.
“I’m super excited to commit my future here and be a part of this moving forward,” Maurer told FCDallas.com. “I just feel really glad that the club felt the same way about me and wanted me to be around. It’s just been a great place for me and my family. I’ve really enjoyed being here so far and just looking forward to the future now and getting to work on the field even more.”
Maurer assumed the starting role a few games into the unpredictable 2020 season. Aided by a sturdy defense ahead of him, Maurer led all MLS starting goalkeepers in Goals Against Average (.84 GAA), after conceding just 13 goals in 16 games. Impressively, he was also league-best in Save Percentage at 81%, a crucial goalkeeping statistic that’s largely unaffected by the defenders around him.
If his 2020 regular season resume wasn’t enough, Maurer was also the hero in Dallas’ first playoff win since 2016 when his seven saves and game-winning penalty stop lifted FCD over the Portland Timbers at Providence Park.
But Maurer’s contributions go beyond his shot-stopping ability. He’s also a team captain in all but name. Whether in the locker room, training field, or behind his backline on game day, Maurer’s voice always rises above the rest; so much so that he’s earned a few nicknames.
“Team Dad, Team Papa Bear, that’s been the new one around the locker room,” Maurer said with a smile. “I really enjoy that role of trying to impart my wisdom on the young guy—but sometimes I’m sure they get annoyed with it at times more than anything. But these experiences that I’ve been fortunate enough to live through – good and bad moments – understanding the grind and the ups and downs in the game, I think it’s big for the young guys to have experienced guys in the team.”
“Jimmy has been a help not only on the field but he’s a fantastic guy off the field,” said FC Dallas Technical Director André Zanotta. “He’s a leader and example to all of our players – young ones and veterans – and we want to keep players like that. We knew from early in the year that we wanted to keep him here and we’ve reached an agreement now. And we’re glad to have him for a longer period with FC Dallas.”
Now with the ink drying on his new contract, Maurer is looking to continue his progression with Dallas step by step.
“It’s all about work now and the next few years at FC Dallas is about pushing the club forward any way I can on or off the field. We’ll keep pushing for improvement and chasing trophies. Trophies are the end game but those come on a day-to-day basis, they’re action-to-action. It’s demanding more from myself and teammates and really just pushing things along any way I can.”
Every Jimmy Maurer Save from the 2020 Season
