FC Dallas Welcomes Playmaker Santiago Moreno: 'His Quality Is Becoming More Obvious'

The 25-year-old Colombian joins on loan from Brazil's Fluminense, bringing MLS experience and attacking flair to bolster FC Dallas' offense.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:12pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the fluid movements and ball control of a soccer player, with sharp, overlapping planes of color representing the dynamism and creativity of the game.The arrival of creative playmaker Santiago Moreno adds a new dimension to FC Dallas' attack, with his technical ability and vision set to unlock opposing defenses.Dallas Today

FC Dallas has added Colombian forward Santiago Moreno on loan from Brazilian club Fluminense, with an option to make the transfer permanent. Moreno, a former Portland Timbers player, made an immediate impact in his FC Dallas debut, showcasing his technical ability and creativity in the attack. Head coach Eric Quill praised Moreno's 'elusiveness' and 'clean feet in tight spaces,' noting that his quality is becoming more apparent with each training session as he integrates with his new teammates.

Why it matters

Moreno's arrival provides a boost to an FC Dallas attack that has been led by the strike duo of Petar Musa and Logan Farrington. The 25-year-old Colombian brings MLS experience and a different profile as a playmaking 'number 10' to complement the team's other attacking options. His successful integration could be crucial as FC Dallas aims to compete for a top spot in the table and a playoff berth.

The details

Moreno joined FC Dallas on transfer deadline day in late March, arriving on loan from Fluminense in Brazil. Despite limited playing time with Fluminense this year, the club's top brass were familiar with Moreno's quality from his four-and-a-half seasons with the Portland Timbers, where he recorded 51 goal contributions in 109 starts. Moreno will occupy FC Dallas' second Designated Player spot, though the club could potentially buy down his contract to free up that DP slot. In his brief FC Dallas debut, Moreno showcased his technical ability, elusiveness, and vision, nearly scoring on his first touch before setting up a teammate's goal.

  • Moreno joined FC Dallas on transfer deadline day in late March 2026.
  • Moreno made his FC Dallas debut as a late-game substitute on April 9, 2026.

The players

Santiago Moreno

A 25-year-old Colombian forward who joins FC Dallas on loan from Brazilian club Fluminense, with an option to make the transfer permanent. Moreno previously played for four-and-a-half seasons with the Portland Timbers in MLS, recording 51 goal contributions in 109 starts.

Eric Quill

The head coach of FC Dallas, who praised Moreno's technical ability, elusiveness, and vision, noting that his quality is becoming more apparent with each training session.

André Zanotta

The Chief Soccer Officer of FC Dallas, who explained the club's rationale for bringing in Moreno, citing his proven MLS experience, ability in 1-on-1 situations, goal-scoring, and assist-making.

Petar Musa

One of FC Dallas' starting strikers, who combined with Moreno's fellow newcomer Joaquín Valiente to score 11 of the team's 14 goals so far this season, the most of any duo in MLS.

Logan Farrington

The other half of FC Dallas' starting strike duo, who has contributed to the team's offensive production alongside Petar Musa.

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What they’re saying

“He's just different with his elusiveness in the game. He has really clean feet in tight spaces, the ability make the first guy miss, and that's an amazing trait to have as a #10 because it unbalances the opponent. He's got quality to find the right pass, the right shot for himself and he's got a change of speed that's of a high, high level.”

— Eric Quill, FC Dallas Head Coach

“Santi really liked the idea of coming back to MLS with a club like FC Dallas. He felt that he could fit in and help us with our objectives this season. We also have an injury for (Anderson) Julio, so we were short in attacking options. We felt that Santi's proven MLS experience, someone who is great in 1v1s, can score goals and add assists, it all combined to be the right thing to bring him in.”

— André Zanotta, FC Dallas Chief Soccer Officer

“Truthfully, I feel very happy, very grateful to God. I always put my life's plans in His hands. If He put me here with this team, it's because there are great things for me, and in the same way, I hope to work with the group and with the profe Quill. He has a very good idea of the game. I've had the chance to talk with him about how he includes me in the team, and I'm just waiting for my moment to contribute to the group.”

— Santiago Moreno

What’s next

FC Dallas will look to integrate Moreno further into the team's tactics and playing style as he continues to train and gain match fitness. The club will also monitor Moreno's performance and development, with the option to make his loan move permanent at the end of the season.

The takeaway

The addition of Santiago Moreno provides FC Dallas with a creative, technical playmaker to complement their existing attacking options. His successful integration could be crucial as the team aims to compete for a top spot in the table and a playoff berth. Moreno's MLS experience and attacking flair raise the ceiling of FC Dallas' offense.