FC Dallas Begins 2024 Preseason at The Star, the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters
This week, FC Dallas began their 2024 preseason from The Star, the Dallas Cowboys’ practice facility. FCD had to move its outdoor training fields at
Toyota Soccer Center a few minutes south to the Ford Center at The Star, which is warmer, for the first few days of preseason due to the below-
freezing conditions in North Texas.
The infamous Beep Test was used to start preseason training for the Dallas players following their weekend-long medical testing and evaluation.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Beep Test, picture yourself racing back and forth for about thirty minutes while a machine beeps at you to move faster
and faster until only Asier Illarramendi remains—this year’s winner. Although unpleasant, it provides the coaching staff with a reliable indication of the athletes’ level of fitness.
Paul Arriola: “The Beep Test is terrible.” Although it’s the least enjoyable part of the season, it’s an excellent baseline to establish early on.
We can now sort of concentrate on tactics and being ready to play and compete now that it’s finished.”
There are a lot of new faces, as there usually are in preseason. Thirteen players who weren’t on FC Dallas’ squad the previous season are on the
preseason roster. They include players from North Texas SC (Michael Collodi, Diego Garcia, Pedrinho, Carl Sainte, Lautaro Taboada, Alejandro
Urzua), SuperDraft selections (Logan Farrington, Turner Humphrey, Mads Westergren), and, of course, recent additions (Omar Gonzalez, Malik-
Henry Scott, Tomas Pondeca, Enes Sali (who is not yet in Dallas)).
Regarding the newcomers, head coach Nico Estévez said, “It’s great.” Their attitude is evident; they are incredibly appreciative to be here.
They are giddy with anticipation. They are clearly and audibly hungry. Their attitude reminds me of the players from the Academy and North Texas
that train with us; they always bring a lot of excitement and energy. It’s excellent for the team.
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