Dallas Turns to GK Michael Collodi as Toronto Debuts Walker Zimmerman

FC Dallas and Toronto FC open the 2026 MLS season with a matchup in Frisco, Texas.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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FC Dallas will turn to new starting goalkeeper Michael Collodi as they open the 2026 MLS season against Toronto FC, who are debuting star defender Walker Zimmerman. Dallas is hoping Collodi can build on his strong finish to last season, while Toronto is looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign and make the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

Why it matters

This matchup features two teams with high expectations for the 2026 season. Dallas is looking to improve on a weak home record last year, while Toronto is aiming to return to the postseason with the addition of Zimmerman to shore up their defense. The outcome of this opening match could set the tone for the rest of the season for both clubs.

The details

Michael Collodi earned the starting goalkeeper job for FC Dallas after playing well in nine matches last season when the previous starter, Maarten Paes, was injured. Even the offseason acquisition of another MLS starter, Jonathan Sirois from Montreal, couldn't dislodge Collodi from the top spot. Meanwhile, Toronto FC landed star defender Walker Zimmerman from Nashville in the offseason as part of their rebuilding efforts after a disappointing 2025 campaign that saw them miss the playoffs.

  • The match between FC Dallas and Toronto FC will take place on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • Last season, FC Dallas went 11-12-11 and finished 7th in the Western Conference, while Toronto FC posted a 6-14-14 record and missed the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.

The players

Michael Collodi

The new starting goalkeeper for FC Dallas, who earned the job after playing well in nine matches last season when the previous starter was injured.

Walker Zimmerman

The star defender acquired by Toronto FC in the offseason from Nashville as part of the team's rebuilding efforts after missing the playoffs in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“I have a huge opportunity this year to come in and play a good amount of games. It's the job I've wanted to do with this club for a long time. The most important thing is staying level-headed.”

— Michael Collodi (statenews.net)

“You want a club that's ambitious, willing to spend and willing to try to do everything they can to win. Toronto checked that box. I think the only way to go is up, based on where they have finished the last two, three years.”

— Walker Zimmerman (statenews.net)

What’s next

This will be the first time FC Dallas and Toronto FC have played each other in Texas since 2022, as Toronto has not won in Dallas in 11 previous chances, going 0-8-3.

The takeaway

This opening match between FC Dallas and Toronto FC will be an important early test for both teams as they look to bounce back from disappointing 2025 seasons and make a push for the playoffs in 2026. The outcome could set the tone for the rest of the year, with Dallas hoping to improve their home record and Toronto aiming to return to the postseason for the first time since 2020.