Dallas Turns to GK Michael Collodi as Toronto Debuts Walker Zimmerman

FC Dallas and Toronto FC open their MLS seasons 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 for their season opener against Toronto FC, who are debuting star defender Walker Zimmerman as part of their roster rebuild. Dallas is hoping Collodi can build on his strong finish to last season, while Toronto looks 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 MLS 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 early-season clash could set the tone for the rest of the year for both clubs.

The details

Dallas' new starting goalkeeper Michael Collodi earned the job after playing well in relief of last year's starter Maarten Paes, who has returned to play in his native Netherlands. Collodi recorded three clean sheets and conceded just eight goals in nine matches. Despite the offseason acquisition of another MLS veteran goalkeeper Jonathan Sirois, Collodi has retained the starting role. On the other side, Toronto FC is debuting star defender Walker Zimmerman, who they acquired from Nashville in the offseason to help improve a defense that struggled in 2025.

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

The players

Michael Collodi

The new starting goalkeeper for FC Dallas, who earned the job after playing well in relief of last year's starter Maarten Paes.

Walker Zimmerman

The star defender acquired by Toronto FC in the offseason to help shore up their defense after the team missed 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

“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

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This early-season matchup between FC Dallas and Toronto FC features two teams with high hopes for the 2026 MLS season. Dallas is looking to improve on a weak home record last year, while Toronto is aiming to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2020 with the addition of star defender Walker Zimmerman. The outcome of this clash could set the tone for the rest of the year for both clubs.