FC Dallas has announced the acquisition of Ghanaian defender Lalas Abubakar on a two-year contract with an additional one-year club option.
The free agent joins the Texas-based Major League Soccer (MLS) club after a successful stint with the Colorado Rapids.
In a statement, FC Dallas Sporting Director André Zanotta expressed excitement over the signing, emphasizing the importance of bolstering the team’s defense during the offseason.
We’re very happy to sign Lalas to our roster,” Zanotta said.
Strengthening our defensive group this offseason was a priority.
Lalas provides us a great player, competitor, and flexibility along our backline.
We look forward to him joining our group once preseason begins.
Abubakar brings a wealth of experience and proven performance to his new team.
In 2024, he led the Colorado Rapids to the MLS Cup playoffs and played a crucial role in their historic third-place finish in the Leagues Cup, the highest-ever achievement for the club in that competition.
Over his five seasons with the Rapids, Abubakar made an impressive 153 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing three assists.
His consistent performances earned him the title of the Rapids’ Defensive Player of the Year for two consecutive seasons in 2019 and 2020, solidifying his reputation as one of the league’s standout defenders.
Before his time in Colorado, Abubakar spent two seasons with the Columbus Crew, where he made 35 appearances and scored two goals.
The Crew selected him in the first round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, taking him fifth overall.
The 29-year-old defender is expected to bring not only skill and versatility to FC Dallas’ backline but also leadership and experience.
His signing aligns with the club’s focus on strengthening its defensive core ahead of the upcoming season.
With preseason training on the horizon, Abubakar’s addition to the roster signals FC Dallas’ commitment to building a competitive squad capable of contending in both domestic and international competitions.
Fans will be eager to see how the seasoned defender integrates into the team’s lineup as they prepare for the challenges of the 2025 MLS season.
