American side FC Dallas has confirmed the signing of free agent Ghanaian defender Lalas Abubakar to a two-year contract with a one-year club option.
“We’re very happy to sign Lalas to our roster,” FC Dallas Sporting Director André 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.”
In 2024, Abubakar led the Rapids to the MLS Cup playoffs and to a historic third-place finish in the 2024 Leagues Cup, the highest finish in Rapids history. He spent the last five seasons with Colorado, making 153 appearances, scoring nine goals, and recording three assists. Abubakar was named the Rapids’ Defensive Player of the Year in 2019 and 2020.
Abubakar also spent two seasons with the Columbus Crew, recording 35 appearances and scoring two goals. He was selected by Columbus in the first round (fifth overall) of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.
A native of Kumasi, Ghana, Abubakar has previously represented his home country at the U-20 level.
Following Thursday’s announcement, FC Dallas has 27 players under contract for the 2025 season:
Goalkeepers (2): Antonio Carrera, Maarten Paes.
Defenders: Lalas Abubakar, Marco Farfan, Sebastien Ibeagha, Geovane Jesus, Sam Junqua, Nolan Norris, Carl Sainté, Nkosi Tafari.
Midfielders: Paul Arriola, Herbert Endeley, Sebastian Lletget, Tsiki Ntsabeleng, Pedrinho, Paxton Pomykal, Tomas Pondeca, Ramiro, Show, Alejandro Urzua.
Forwards: Logan Farrington, Jesús Ferreira, Bernard Kamungo, Petar Musa, Enes Sali, Tarik Scott, Alan Velasco.
