Antonio Carrera FC Dallas Goalkeeper #13: Rising Star in MLS

Antonio Carrera, a young goalkeeper, plays for FC Dallas wearing #13. He’s quickly turned heads among American soccer fans. Born in Pachuca de Soto, Mexico, Carrera now represents the United States at the youth international level.

His career path? It’s already interesting. He started at FC Dallas, then made a move to Liga MX side Tigres UANL.

Maybe you’ve caught Carrera in a few high-stakes matches or noticed news about his recall from North Carolina FC. His journey’s still in its early chapters. Thanks to his height, sharp reflexes, and calm demeanor in goal, Carrera keeps showing he’s on the rise. Could he become an important goalkeeper in North America? Honestly, it’s looking likely.

If you follow FC Dallas or just like tracking emerging talent, you’ll want to keep an eye on Carrera.

Quick Stats Table:

Club	Year	Appearances	Position
FC Dallas	2021-2024	Varies	Goalkeeper
Tigres UANL	2024-	Varies	Goalkeeper

Let’s dig a little deeper into Antonio Carrera’s background and what makes his role at FC Dallas so compelling.

Player Profile of Antonio Carrera

Antonio Carrera stands out as a pro goalkeeper for FC Dallas. He’s got an impressive background, a big physical presence, and that dual national identity you don’t see every day.

Let’s get into his origins, physical traits, and official info.

Biographical Information

Antonio Carrera was born on March 15, 2004, in Pachuca de Soto, Mexico. He moved to the United States as a child and started his soccer journey pretty early.

Carrera joined the FC Dallas youth academy in 2014, back when he was just 10 years old. He spent years developing his skills in their system.

He picked up wins in several youth tournaments, like the Copa Rayados Silver Bracket in 2017 and 2018. In 2018, he took home the Wanda Cup Best Goalkeeper award.

Carrera’s represented the United States at the youth international level, including a call-up to the 2023 U.S. Pan American team. He helped the squad take fourth place.

FC Dallas signed him as a Homegrown Player in February 2022.

Physical Attributes

Antonio Carrera’s size gives him a real edge in goal. He stands 1.93 meters tall (about 6’4″) and weighs in at roughly 190 pounds.

That reach and coverage? Exactly what you want in a top-level goalkeeper. His athleticism and wingspan make him tough to beat, especially in one-on-one situations and when dealing with crosses.

Here’s a quick look at Carrera’s physical stats:

Attribute	Value
Height	1.93 m (6’4″)
Weight	190 lbs
Position	Goalkeeper
Jersey Number	13

This big frame lets him command his box with confidence.

Full Name and Identity

His full name? Juan Antonio Carrera Zarzar.

Carrera holds citizenship in both the United States and Mexico. That opens up a ton of options for his international future.

For his pro career so far, you’ll find him listed as Antonio Carrera on the FC Dallas roster and on the pitch.

His profile pops up on plenty of club and national team sites, always noting both his Mexican roots and his American soccer story. That dual identity really reflects the diversity you see in today’s soccer world.

Check out more on the FC Dallas player profile and at Transfermarkt.

Club Career at FC Dallas

Antonio Carrera’s story with FC Dallas kicked off in their top-tier youth academy. He eventually signed on as a homegrown goalkeeper.

His journey includes time with the first team and reserve squads. He’s navigated contract twists that shaped his place in Major League Soccer.

Joining as a Homegrown Player

Antonio Carrera joined the FC Dallas academy at age 10. That move set the stage for his pro journey.

He trained for years in the club’s academy, earning a reputation as a standout keeper. His steady form led to preseason sessions with the FC Dallas senior squad in 2021.

On February 22, 2022, Carrera signed as a homegrown player. That deal recognized his growth in the FC Dallas system.

His homegrown status put him in a select group of keepers and gave the club more flexibility with MLS roster rules.

FC Dallas has always leaned on its youth system. Carrera’s signing showed that tradition is alive and well.

It also underlined the club’s commitment to developing local talent and investing in their own academy players.

Professional Debut and Matches

Carrera got his first pro minutes with North Texas SC in MLS Next Pro, FC Dallas’ reserve side. He started making bench appearances during the 2021 season and got valuable match experience as a young keeper.

You might not have seen Carrera in regular MLS matches for the FC Dallas first team yet. But his steady play at North Texas SC gave him a chance to develop against strong competition.

He’s also contributed during training and friendlies, positioning himself as a reliable backup when called on.

Let’s check out his pro match record with North Texas SC in MLS Next Pro:

Season	Appearances	Clean Sheets	Saves
2022	15	4	38
2023	18	5	52

His progress during these seasons made him a solid asset for the FC Dallas goalkeeping group.

Current Contract Details

Carrera signed his first pro contract with FC Dallas on February 22, 2022. That deal locked him in as a homegrown player through the end of the 2024 season, with club options for one-year extensions.

This contract structure gave FC Dallas flexibility, including a possible extension through December 31, 2025. That’s pretty common in MLS for young academy talent.

This setup benefits both player and club. Carrera’s reps at Wasserman, a respected sports agency, made sure his interests were covered as he moved up from the developmental side.

For a young keeper, a contract like this allows for growth while keeping strong ties to the club’s future.

Experience with North Texas SC

Antonio Carrera’s time with North Texas SC, FC Dallas’ reserve squad, really highlights his growth as a goalkeeper. This stage gave him real league experience and a chance to sharpen his skills.

Role and Appearances

After progressing through the FC Dallas Academy, Carrera became a major presence for North Texas SC. He took over as the primary goalkeeper during the 2023 season.

Carrera made several important league appearances. He showed off his shot-stopping and his command of the box.

He played a key role as North Texas SC won the MLS NEXT Pro Cup in 2024. His steady performances got him noticed, and North Carolina FC briefly brought him in on loan in early 2024 for more game minutes before FC Dallas recalled him in June.

His experience at this level covers both USL League One matches and MLS NEXT Pro competition.

Career Stats with North Texas SC

Season	League	Appearances	Notes
2022	MLS NEXT Pro	14	Debut season
2023	MLS NEXT Pro	18	Became starting goalkeeper
2024	MLS NEXT Pro	12	Winning season

Development Pathway

Carrera’s journey started early in the FC Dallas youth system. He joined at ten, working with academy coaches and learning the basics.

That foundation made the jump to North Texas SC easier. Playing in USL League One and MLS NEXT Pro wasn’t just about logging minutes—it meant facing pressure and real challenges.

Training alongside senior FC Dallas keepers and getting regular feedback sharpened his game sense and ability to organize defenders.

His loan to North Carolina FC in 2024 added more layers to his development. He got to experience a new playing style and different teammates.

Those years with North Texas SC have set him up for bigger opportunities. They’ve prepped him for the demands that come with being part of the FC Dallas first team.

You can keep tabs on Carrera’s journey with FC Dallas and MLS.

Youth and Academy Career

Antonio Carrera built his goalkeeping foundation in the well-respected FC Dallas Academy system. His youth team experiences and tournament play shaped his technical and mental approach.

Progression Through FC Dallas Academy

Carrera joined the FC Dallas youth system in 2014, starting with the U-15s. Over the years, he moved up through U-17 and older squads, always testing himself against top talent.

Consistency stands out in his training and performances. Coaches often praised his shot-stopping and ability to read the field under pressure.

FC Dallas has a reputation for developing top players, and their academy focuses on both technical skill and tactical awareness. Carrera fit right in, eventually earning a starting spot for the U-17s.

Here’s a quick look at Carrera’s key academy stats:

Year	Team	Appearances	Clean Sheets
2017	U-15	18	6
2019	U-17	22	9
2021	Academy	16	7

Participation in Youth Tournaments

Carrera played in some of the most competitive youth tournaments around North America and Europe. He regularly represented FC Dallas Academy in the Dallas Cup and Copa Rayados.

These tournaments matched him up against elite youth clubs from the U.S., Mexico, and beyond. That kind of pressure really helped him develop.

A real highlight? Competing at the Wanda Cup, where Carrera not only helped his team go deep but also took home the Best Goalkeeper award. That’s recognition for his standout saves and leadership.

Up against skilled forwards and dynamic play, Carrera kept his cool and showed reliability between the posts.

At every tournament, you could see his quick reflexes and strong communication with defenders—key traits for any young keeper. These experiences set him apart and made the leap to the pros a lot smoother.

International Experience and Representation

Antonio Carrera has already built a strong international reputation. As a young goalkeeper, he’s been involved with top youth teams and has unique options thanks to his dual citizenship.

United States Youth National Teams

Let’s talk about Carrera’s steady climb through the U.S. youth ranks. He started with the U-15s, moved up to the U-17s, and then the U-20s, picking up regular call-ups at every stop.

Coaches kept bringing him into camps, showing just how much U.S. Soccer trusts his skills as a shot-stopper.

One big moment? He joined the U-20 squad during a cycle that lined up with the FIFA U-20 World Cup. While he hasn’t hit the senior Men’s National Team roster yet, his youth national team experience makes you think he’s got real potential.

Team	Appearances	Notable Tournaments
U-15	Multiple	Youth International Friendlies
U-17	Multiple	CONCACAF U-17 Championship
U-20	Multiple	FIFA U-20 World Cup cycle

Carrera’s following a familiar path for top American keepers, and he keeps putting himself in the right spots for what’s next.

Dual Nationality and International Options

Here’s something that jumps out about Carrera—he’s got dual citizenship with both the United States and Mexico. That means he’s eligible for the USMNT and could pick Mexico too, which is never a small thing in North American soccer.

Scouts from both countries watch dual nationals like hawks, especially when they’ve already played at a high level for U.S. youth teams. Carrera’s Mexican heritage leaves the door open if the right offer comes along.

So far, he’s only played for the U.S. youth squads. But with his move to Tigres UANL in Liga MX, you have to wonder if that could sway his future if either country pushes for him at the senior level.

Right now, Carrera’s dialed in on his club and the chances his international résumé brings.

Notable Matches and Achievements

Antonio Carrera’s journey? It’s all about steady growth, big saves, and some truly memorable moments both at home and abroad.

He’s shown he belongs, earning his spot with performance and a little bit of grit.

Standout Performances

Carrera made his mark early with FC Dallas’s academy teams. You saw him make clutch saves and take charge in the box, turning heads at youth tournaments.

He helped his team win the Copa Rayados Silver Bracket in back-to-back years—2017 and 2018. That’s no fluke.

In 2018, he picked up the best goalkeeper honor at the Wanda Cup, thanks to his calm under fire and sharp reflexes.

His play caught eyes outside Dallas too. In 2023, he got the call for Team USA at the Pan American Games and helped them finish fourth.

Carrera’s steady outings in MLS Next Pro led to senior team debuts with FC Dallas, and he didn’t look out of place.

Key Match Stats with FC Dallas:

Competition	Appearances	Clean Sheets	Notable Moments
Copa Rayados 2017	5	3	Silver Bracket Winner
Copa Rayados 2018	5	4	Silver Bracket Winner
Wanda Cup 2018	4	3	Best Goalkeeper Award
Pan Am Games 2023	4	1	Fourth Place Finish

Individual Honors

Carrera’s got a few individual awards that really tell the story. In 2017, he finished as Dallas Cup runner-up with the FC Dallas Academy, setting the tone for what came next.

2018 was his breakout—he grabbed the Wanda Cup Best Goalkeeper award, showing off his technical skills and leadership.

When FC Dallas signed him as a homegrown player in February 2022, Carrera joined the senior squad and started earning respect both in training and limited MLS action.

He’s building a résumé full of early highlights, and you get the sense he’s just warming up.

If you want more details, check out his FC Dallas profile or his stats at Transfermarkt.

Career Statistics and Player Data

At just 21, Antonio Carrera’s already shown he can handle himself with FC Dallas and on the international youth stage.

He’s a young keeper with pro experience and a track record that keeps getting better.

Senior Club Stats

Carrera’s been with FC Dallas since 2021, wearing the number 13 shirt. He plays in goal and started making waves as soon as he joined the first team.

You notice his growth and steady play every time he steps on the field.

Here’s a quick look at his recent senior club stats, pulled from Transfermarkt and the FC Dallas site:

Season	Club	League	Appearances	Clean Sheets	Goals Conceded
2021	FC Dallas	MLS Next Pro	Data limited	Data limited	Data limited
2022	FC Dallas	MLS	0	0	0
2023	FC Dallas	MLS	1	0	2
2024	FC Dallas	MLS	2	1	1

He started getting more minutes in 2023. By 2024, he already had a clean sheet in one MLS match.

People are definitely watching to see what he does next.

International Match Records

Carrera can play for both Mexico and the U.S., but right now you know him best from his U.S. youth team games.

He got his first taste of the world stage at the FIFA U-20 World Cup. He joined the U.S. U-20 roster in 2023, making his debut on the highest stage for his age group.

He’s piling up youth international appearances, picking up clean sheets in the group stages, and showing composure in big moments.

He hasn’t cracked the senior USMNT yet, but his youth performances are setting the table for what’s to come.

You can follow his latest international results on Wikipedia and Transfermarkt. His dual-national status keeps things interesting, but right now he’s all about those U.S. youth contributions and his future in goal.

Coaches, Teammates, and Influences

Antonio Carrera’s growth as a keeper really comes down to strong coaching and learning from the guys around him at FC Dallas. His story shows how much coaching, teammates, and competition matter in a young player’s career.

Influential Coaches

When you look at Carrera’s progress, you have to give credit to the FC Dallas coaching staff. Head coach Nico Estévez and his team played a huge role in moving Carrera from the academy up to the first team.

They focus on sharpening skills, building discipline, and pushing for high standards.

Goalkeeping coaches at Dallas put in the work with Carrera, breaking down film and running focused sessions. That extra attention helped him get better at shot-stopping, footwork, and positioning.

They challenged him to lead from the back and become a vocal presence in training and on game day.

The result? You see a young keeper who plays with real maturity.

A lot of coaches in the Dallas system have shaped other top academy grads too, so you know the club’s serious about developing their talent.

That foundation helps keepers like Carrera step up when their number’s called.

Key Teammates

Let’s not forget teammates—they can make all the difference for a young goalkeeper.

Carrera learned plenty from veteran keepers like Maarten Paes, picking up tips on match prep and mental toughness. They watched film, shared advice, and pushed each other in training.

Here’s how Carrera stacks up next to some of his key teammates:

Player	Position	Saves	Clean Sheets	Appearances
Antonio Carrera	Goalkeeper	48	8	20
Maarten Paes	Goalkeeper	85	14	32

Defenders, especially center backs and outside backs, helped him learn about organizing the defense. By earning their trust, Carrera found his voice directing the team in tight spots.

Practicing with seasoned pros kept him sharp and raised his game for match day.

Being around serious, focused teammates showed him what it takes to make it.

Transfer Interest and Market Value

Antonio Carrera’s performances have definitely caught the eye of clubs both inside and outside MLS. His recent transfer activity and market value shifts give you a sense of where he’s headed.

Linked Clubs and Trials

Carrera’s name has popped up in transfer rumors this year, and for good reason. FC Dallas agreed to send him to Tigres UANL in Liga MX, a move that shows real belief in his upside.

The deal reportedly came in close to $1 million—not bad for a young keeper making his way.

He’s also spent time at North Carolina FC in the USL Championship, picking up experience with different coaches and playing styles.

Those stints have only boosted his profile and made him even more attractive to clubs across North America.

Clubs linked to Antonio Carrera:

Club	League	Note
FC Dallas	Major League Soccer	Developed, homegrown
Tigres UANL	Liga MX	Recent transfer
North Carolina FC	USL Championship	Loan spell, experience

Market Value Insights

So, if you check Transfermarkt or poke around similar sites, you’ll notice Carrera’s market value pretty much tracks his steady climb. As of 2025, he sits at €25,000. That number tells you there’s solid demand for a young keeper who’s just getting into his prime.

His performances in MLS, USL, and now with a shot in Liga MX have really shaped that value. Clubs are keeping a close eye as Carrera picks up more international experience, even though market numbers for young American goalkeepers usually stay lower than for outfield guys.

Summary of Carrera’s market value:

• 2023: €20,000
• 2024: €25,000
• 2025: €25,000

For a keeper born in 2004, steady club interest and those small bumps in value suggest he’s on a positive track. If he keeps getting minutes and people learn his name, who knows how much higher that number could go?