ALAN VELASCO NEWS

Signs contract extension Thursday FC Dallas have signed Velasco to a four-year contract extension, the club announced Thursday.

Impact The talented playmaker was limited to just eight appearances and five starts as he missed considerable time while recovering from an ACL injury. However, he still managed to score two goals. The new contract suggests Velasco is fully committed to keeping Velasco around, and if he's healthy for the start of the 2025 MLS season, then he should be a focal point of Dallas' attacking scheme.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Nets against San Jose Velasco scored one goal to go with two shots (two on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to San Jose Earthquakes. In addition, he was given a y...

Impact Velasco found the back of the net in the 41st minute, equalizing the score with a well-placed finish following a layoff from Petar Musa. Velasco was active throughout the match, creating three chances and making two tackles. This marked only his third start of the season, and he has scored two goals in six appearances overall.

OCTOBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Scores in loss to RSL Velasco scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Wednesday's 3-2 loss against Real Salt Lake.

Impact Velasco scored the second goal of Dallas in this loss, as the playmaker bagged a penalty late in the second half. Velasco has looked good since returning from a knee injury, and while he's made just three starts, he's getting better and better. This was his first goal of the campaign.

SEPTEMBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Back to team training Velasco (knee) was back in train training ahead of Aug 24 match against D.C United.

Impact Velasco finally made his return to team training following his ACL injury. This is a very good sign that the midfielder could return after the MLS break against D.C United, barring any setbacks. He had been a regular starter since joining the league in 2022, totaling 53 starts in 57 appearances over two seasons, scoring 11 goals with seven assists.

AUGUST 8 • ROTOWIRE

Should return to training soon Velasco (knee) is expected to return to full training in around two more weeks, according to Drew Epperley of Substack.

Impact Velasco seems to be entering the final stages of his recovery process from the ACL injury he sustained in November 2023. The playmaker has yet to play this season, and given the timeline provided by manager Peter Luccin, he might be able to return once the MLS campaign resumes in late August.

JULY 26 • ROTOWIRE

Still training on grass Velasco (knee) has yet to return to full training as he continues to work alone on the grass.

Impact Velasco is still not ready to make a return to the pitch as he continues to work up his strength in his knee following ACL surgery. This is still a good sign to see the forward on the grass as he will look to make a return as early as July, barring any setbacks.

JUNE 20 • ROTOWIRE

Training with ball Velasco was viewed training with a ball on grass Monday, via the player's X account.

Impact Velasco is making yet another improvement in his recovery process, as he is now training with a ball just days after returning to grass for the first time following his ACL surgery. This is positive news for the attacker as he attempts to make his season debut, although that is likely still some time away, probably needing at least another month before he is fully healthy and ready to take the field.

MAY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Seen on grass Velasco (knee) was seen on the grass for the first time since his ACL injury.

Impact Velasco is making big steps in his recovery as he begun to do work on the grass for the first time since his ACL injury. This gives him a timeline of about 1-2 months, though is on a quicker pace than originally planned. Liam Fraser has been his replacement in the attack for Dallas, who has an assist in 10 matches.

MAY 24 • ROTOWIRE

Working on strength indoors Velasco (knee) is working in the gym on strengthening work following his ACL tear.

Impact Velasco is still about 3-4 months away from returning to the pitch after suffering an ACL tear during the MLS playoffs last season. If his recovery goes as planned, the winger could begin running on the grass by mid March. To open the season, Liam Fraser is set to take on a big role for 2024 in Velasco's absence.

FEBRUARY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Undergoes knee surgery Velasco underwent successful knee surgery and is set to start his recovery process.

Impact Velasco is set for an 8-10 month absence after ACL surgery on his left knee. He will likely return for the middle to end of the 2024 campaign, with Liam Fraser set to take on a big role next season, unless Dallas pick up another forward in the offseason.

NOVEMBER 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Set for knee surgery Velasco is expected to undergo knee surgery for a tore cruciate ligament as he will miss the rest of the playoffs, per Gaston Edul of TyC Sports.

Impact This is a huge loss for Velasco, who was having an upstanding year with Dallas. He will end the campaign totaling four goals and two assists while also logging in 91 crosses (27 accurate) 44 tackles (29 won) and 34 chances created. The midfielder is expected to also miss the beginning of the 2024 season as he recovers from knee surgery. Liam Fraser will take over his place in the starting XI for the remainder of the playoffs.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Set for knee surgery Velasco is expected to undergo knee surgery for a tore cruciate ligament as he will miss the rest of the playoffs, per Gaston Edul of TyC Sports.

Impact This is a huge loss for Velasco, who was having an upstanding year with Dallas. He will end the campaign totaling four goals and two assists while also logging in 91 crosses (27 accurate) 44 tackles (29 won) and 34 chances created. The midfielder is expected to also miss the beginning of the 2024 season as he recovers from knee surgery. Liam Fraser will take over his place in the starting XI for the remainder of the playoffs.

NOVEMBER 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Unlikely to play Saturday Velasco (undisclosed) is set to miss out on Saturday's second leg match against the Sounders.

Impact Velasco picked up an undisclosed injury during Monday's loss to Seattle and is not expected to be an option for the second leg at home. He had been on a good run of late, starting the last seven games in a row while scoring twice with 20 crosses (six accurate) and seven tackles. Liam Fraser replaced him on the pitch Monday and could be the front runner to take his spot in the starting XI until he recovers.

NOVEMBER 1, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Set for MRI after in-game injury Velasco is set for an MRI after leaving in the 18th minute of Monday's playoff opener against Seattle, according to manager Nico Estevez.

Impact There's a chance this isn't anything major for Velasco, but he's getting an MRI and that usually implies some kind of muscle injury. Velasco has been a key piece for Dallas this season in the midfield, starting 28 matches, and his possible absence in the playoffs isn't going to help. If he can't go in the second leg, Sebastian Lletget may be an option to play a few minutes, though Liam Fraser seems most likely to start.

OCTOBER 31, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Nets game tying goal Velasco scored a goal while taking three shots (one on goal), crossing seven times (two accurate) and creating a chance during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Colorado.

Impact Velasco found the back of the net in the 37th minute, leveling the score while leading Dallas with three shots in the match. Velasco has two goals over his past four matches while taking ten shots, creating five chances and crossing 13 times.

OCTOBER 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Creates three chances Velasco had two shots on target and created three chances in Saturday's 1-1 draw with San Jose.

Impact Velasco was heavily involved in his team's attacking play and was unlucky not to register any attacking returns. The winger started the season strongly with two goals in his first four games, but has only managed one goal since.

OCTOBER 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Two shots in stalemate Velasco attempted two shots (one on target) in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Houston.

Impact In a game if few openings, Velasco attempted more shots than any of his teammates, but was unable to make it two goals in two, coming off the back of his goal against Philadelphia. The attacker ranks second among his teammates for attempted shots this season, though he has only managed two goals

OCTOBER 2, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Scores lone goal in draw Velasco scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 1-1 draw versus Philadelphia Union. In addition, he was give...

Impact Velasco was active early in the match, winning four free kicks and earning a yellow card all within the first 30 minutes. He then fired his first shot on goal in the 35th minute and quickly followed it up with a brilliant shot from outside of the box that found the bottom left corner of the net, to give his side a 1-0 advantage. Velasco remained active and missed another attempt at the goal, before subbing out in the 79th minute.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting Saturday Velasco (calf) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash with Columbus.

Impact Velasco returns to the starting XI after clearing the injury report earlier in the week. The forward takes a role directly in the center of the attack and should have plenty of upside creatively after two matches on the sideline.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Clears injury report Velasco (calf) is absent from the Dallas injury report for Saturday's clash with Columbus.

Impact Velasco was removed from the injury report after missing a pair of matches due to the calf issue. The forward has been a consistent starter when fit and could be slotted straight back into the starting XI after taking the full week to recover.

SEPTEMBER 22, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Won't play against Seattle Velasco has been ruled out for Saturday's match against the Sounders due to a right calf injury.

Impact The loss of Velasco, who has started in all but one of his 22 league appearances, represents a huge blow for Dallas, as he has been the team's main creative weapon while establishing top-notch chemistry with Jesus Ferreira. The absence of Velasco might force Sebastian Lleglet to play in a more attacking role, while Jader Obrian could enter the starting lineup as a winger. Velasco's next chance to play will come next Wednesday on the road against Real Salt Lake.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Starting Saturday Velasco (thigh) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash with Seattle.

Impact Velasco was added to the injury report earlier in the week but cleared his designation and returned to the starting XI. The forward lines up on the left wing, where he will hope to add to his four goal contributions in 2023.

JULY 15, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Added to injury report Velasco (thigh) is questionable for Saturday's trip to Seattle, according to the Dallas injury report.

Impact Velasco earned a surprising questionable tag despite assisting last time out. The winger has been a consistent starter when fit and would be a major loss if he is unable to pass the late fitness checks before Saturday's clash.

JULY 13, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Assists opener in loss Velasco assisted once to go with two shots (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 2-1 loss to Colorado Rapids.

Impact Velasco assisted the opening goal Saturday as he found Sam Junqua in the 18th minute to take the lead. It was one of two chances he created in the match to go with two shots (one on target), two crosses (one accurate), one corner and four drawn fouls in his full 90 minutes of action.

JULY 9, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Has quiet game in loss Velasco made a clearance, created a chance and won one of two tackles in Tuesday's 1-0 defeat against D.C. United.

Impact Velasco has had to shoulder an immense attacking load for Dallas recently while Jesus Ferreira (not injury related), Paul Arriola (thigh), Jader Obrian, Jesus Jimenez (ankle), Paxton Pomykal, Sebastian Lletget and Tsiki Ntsabeleng have all spent time injured or unavailable. Velasco has not been able to carry the team very well with all those absences, as he hasn't scored a goal in the league since mid-March.

JULY 5, 2023 • ROTOWIRE