Image: FC Dallas via Twitter
03/01/2022
FC Dallas' most expensive signing in franchise history has finally arrived. Despite signing with Dallas back during the January transfer window, Velasco hasn't been able to join his new club. The visa process took a lot of them, originally he was supposed to arrive a day before Dallas' home opener against Toronto FC, but for whatever reason his arrival was pushed back to the day after the game. The club hasn't made an official statement on why he was delayed, Texas had experienced an ice storm just days before Velasco's original arrival date so it could have been due to inclement weather or a last minute visa issue. Velasco is here now and training with his new teammates!
FC Dallas will travel to New England to play the Revolution at Gillette Stadium. Since artificial turf is used at Gillette, Velasco might not make his debut this weekend. The potential of an injury may keep the young winger on the bench and could push his debut to Dallas' next home game on March the 12th. FC Dallas primarily uses grass fields for their training and games, although they do have roughly three fields that use synthetic turf. (https://www.fcdallas.com/news/fc-dallas-partners-paragon-sports-constructors-complex-renovations#:~:text=The%20FC%20Dallas%20Stadium%20Complex,remaining%2014%20are%20natural%20grass.)
Image: FC Dallas via Twitter
Velasco's arrival will give Dallas a big boost in their attack. Franco Jara and Szabolcs Schon were absent from the bench last Saturday, Dallas hasn't made an announcement on when they expect those two to return, so Dallas' options on the bench felt limited against Toronto. They brought in rookie Tsiki Ntsabeleng, second year draft pick Kalil ElMedkhar, and fullback Nanu in the waning minutes of their tied game to try and grab a late winner. They need a supersub who can come in and push them to a win, much like Jara did last year. In 29 games, he scored 7 goals, three of which he scored after coming in as a sub.
It'll be fun to watch Velasco and how he fits into the attack. Between him, Jesus Ferreira, Paxton Pomykal, Paul Arriola, and Jader Obrian, Dallas should have no lack of goals this year!
By Toros95