Marco Farfan FC Dallas Defender #4 Profile and Performance Analysis
If you follow FC Dallas, you’ve probably caught Marco Farfan locking down the left side in that number 4 jersey. He’s a reliable left-back—no doubt about it—always grinding defensively and showing up with a work rate that’s, well, hard to miss.
At 26, Farfan’s built a solid rep as one of the steadiest guys on the squad. He doesn’t make a lot of noise, but he’s always making life tough for the opposition.
When FC Dallas brought him in from LAFC back in 2022, Farfan wasted no time making his mark. He started regularly, played smart, and fans took notice.
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People appreciate the way he reads the game, how quick he is in those one-on-one scraps, and his willingness to push upfield when the moment’s right. If you’re wondering what makes him such a key piece for Dallas, let’s dig in.
Here’s a quick look at some of his numbers from the latest season:
| Season | Appearances | Minutes Played | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 28 | 2,520 | 2 | 4 |
Want more on his career and current impact? Check the official FC Dallas profile.
Contents
Player Profile and Role at FC Dallas
Marco Farfan brings a steady, reliable presence to the FC Dallas backline. You get a left-back who shies away from risky plays, sticks to smart positioning, and helps balance the team’s defense.
Jersey Number and Position
He wears number 4, a classic defender’s number. You’ll spot him on the left side nearly every match.
His job? Shut down attacks along the flank, cover for the center backs, and help move the ball upfield.
Standing 1.78 meters, Farfan’s got enough size for the role and plenty of mobility. He’s listed as a defender on the official FC Dallas roster, and since 2022, he’s made that left-back spot his own.
His tactical discipline stands out. You can count on him to stay in position and close down space when it matters.
Honestly, the number 4 jersey just fits his game.
Playing Style and Attributes
Farfan’s style? It’s all about smarts and timing, not just raw speed or muscle. He reads the play well, so you trust him to make the right call in those one-on-ones.
When he faces tricky wingers, he uses body positioning and patience. He doesn’t dive in—he waits, wins the ball back, and keeps it simple.
His left foot? Reliable, especially for short passes to start the build-up. Crossing isn’t his main thing, but he’ll still push up to help the attack if there’s space.
Defensively, his stats back him up:
| Stat | 2024 MLS Season* |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 27 |
| Tackles per game | 2.2 |
| Clearances per game | 3.5 |
| Interceptions per game | 1.7 |
*Numbers as of summer 2025.
Contribution to Team Tactics
In Dallas’s setup, Farfan keeps his runs measured. He rarely overcommits, so he helps maintain the shape that lets midfielders get forward.
He plays simple, connecting passes to midfield and breaking the press when needed.
You’ll see him as an outlet along the sideline, taking quick throw-ins and always making himself available. Under pressure, he stays calm and clears the ball when he needs to.
His consistency gives teammates the confidence to play a little freer, knowing he’s got the left side locked down. His sense of timing and spacing fits Dallas’s tactical needs perfectly.
For more on his game, his FC Dallas player profile has the details.
2025 Season: Performance and Statistics
In 2025, Marco Farfan has kept up that same steady presence for FC Dallas at left back. He’s played a big part in key matches, including Matchday 8, and coaches clearly trust him for his reliability and energy.
Appearances and Minutes
Farfan’s featured in 10 games so far in the 2025 MLS season. He started every single one, which tells you all you need to know about his importance.
His stamina stands out—he’s almost always out there for the full 90. That’s not new if you think back to 2023, when he led the team in minutes.
This year, he’s just kept that going. You can check his stats on FootyStats and ESPN.
| Statistic | Number (2025) |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 10 |
| Matches Started | 10 |
| Minutes Played | 900+ |
Key Performances in Matchday 8
Matchday 8? That’s one to remember. FC Dallas took down Sporting Kansas City 4-2, and Farfan delivered one of his best performances of the season.
He notched a strong 7.0 Sofascore rating, thanks to solid defending and some aggressive play up the flank. He chipped in with key clearances and interceptions, making life tough for the opposition.
What really jumps out is the way he balanced defending and joining the attack. He didn’t grab a goal or assist, but his pressing and recovery speed helped set the tone for the win.
More on that match at Sofascore.
Statistical Highlights
He hasn’t scored in 2025—no surprise for a left back—but he’s filling up the stat sheet in other ways. High block and interception numbers? Check.
He avoids bad fouls and doesn’t get booked often, which means he stays on the field when it counts. In a typical game, you’ll see him rack up clearances, tackles, and maybe win an aerial duel or two.
Want more numbers? Transfermarkt and FootyStats have you covered.
| Category | 2025 Season (per 10 matches) |
|---|---|
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Tackles | 14 |
| Interceptions | 18 |
| Clearances | 25 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 |
Team of the Matchday Recognition
Defenders don’t always get the spotlight, but MLS named Farfan to the Team of the Matchday after that Sporting KC win. That says a lot about the impact he’s making.
He stands out among MLS defenders, and this recognition shows the league is paying attention to his consistency and leadership at left back. The club’s official review called it out as well.
Career Journey in Major League Soccer
Marco Farfan’s MLS career has taken him to three clubs so far. He started as a homegrown talent and worked his way up to become a trusted left-back.
His journey features a notable trade and a real impact at every stop.
Portland Timbers Beginnings
You first saw Farfan break through with the Portland Timbers as their inaugural Homegrown Player. He signed in 2017 and debuted professionally at just 18.
Those early years? He grew fast, earning starts in both league and cup matches. Farfan used that time to build his defensive instincts and composure.
He played left-back, showed strong positioning, and wasn’t afraid to push up the wing. The Timbers’ staff leaned on his consistency and decision-making.
During his stint in Portland, he made the USL 20 Under 20 list, a nod to top young talent. He became a regular in the rotation and picked up valuable experience against some of the league’s best.
His adaptability helped him handle the grind of MLS week after week.
| Years | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-2020 | 34 | 0 | 1 |
The Timbers gave Farfan his foundation, setting him up for the next step.
Time at LAFC
After Portland, Farfan headed to LAFC for the 2021 season. In LA, he faced more competition and bigger expectations.
He played in 29 matches, started 21, and took on some of the league’s most dynamic wingers.
His defensive focus and awareness earned trust in big moments. Coaches valued his calm under pressure and his reliability out wide.
Playing with top talent, Farfan sharpened his passing and got better in transition. While LAFC loved to attack, his role stayed mostly defensive—he provided extra stability and balanced the team’s push forward.
| Season | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 29 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
Trade for Ryan Hollingshead
Farfan’s move to FC Dallas came via a big trade. In February 2022, LAFC sent him to Dallas for veteran left-back Ryan Hollingshead.
Both clubs got what they needed—Dallas wanted youth and energy, LAFC wanted experience and a more attack-minded fullback.
For Farfan, it was a shot at a bigger role. He stepped right into the starting lineup and filled Hollingshead’s shoes immediately.
Dallas clearly believed in his potential and wanted him anchoring their back line for the long haul.
You could see how the trade changed things for both teams. Farfan got more minutes and responsibility, while LAFC leaned on Hollingshead’s experience.
Key Factors in the Trade:
- Both players filled pressing positional needs
- Clubs exchanged youth for experience
- It provided Farfan the chance to establish himself as a regular starter
Arrival at FC Dallas
When Marco Farfan arrived at FC Dallas, he jumped right into the starting left-back spot. Over the 2022 and 2023 seasons, he really showed up—delivering steady performances and becoming a trusted presence in defense.
He set a new personal best for regular season appearances, which just goes to show how important he’s become for the squad.
Farfan scored his first MLS goal in a 4-1 win against the San Jose Earthquakes. That same year, he chipped in three assists.
Coaches often praised his positioning, leadership, and relentless work rate. He earned a spot on MLSsoccer.com’s Team of the Matchday thanks to his defensive efforts.
| Year | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 32 | 1 | 3 |
| 2023 | 28 | 0 | 2 |
By 2025, Farfan’s steady play made him a core member of the Dallas squad. You can see why coaches and fans value his defensive presence and game-to-game reliability.
International Experience
Marco Farfan’s international journey really highlights his potential—and, honestly, his steady progress in the U.S. soccer system. Playing left-back, he’s earned call-ups to the national team and landed a spot on the USMNT defensive depth chart.
USMNT Senior Team Debut
Farfan’s path with the senior United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) has been a slow burn. As of July 2025, he still hasn’t made his official senior debut.
He’s been included in senior team camps and friendlies, training alongside some of the country’s top defenders. That’s no small thing.
His strong performances in MLS with FC Dallas have definitely boosted his chances for a first cap. Farfan’s composure and work rate have caught the coaching staff’s attention.
They continue to watch his progress at club level, keeping him in the mix for upcoming international windows.
Here’s a quick look at his USMNT camp involvements:
| Year | USMNT Senior Camp Involvement | Senior Debut |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | January Training Camp | No |
| 2022 | September Camp (Non-Cap) | No |
| 2023 | Friendly Preparations | No |
National Team Call-Ups
Farfan’s history with national team call-ups shows that the U.S. soccer system values consistency. He’s received multiple invitations to both youth and senior USMNT camps.
At the youth level, coaches picked him for the U-20 and U-23 squads during tournaments and qualifiers. His performances with FC Dallas earned him senior team camp invites, but he’s still waiting for that first full cap.
These call-ups prove that his steady MLS presence isn’t going unnoticed.
FC Dallas’s defensive stability has made Farfan a reliable option for the national pool. When injuries or rotation hit, he’s right there in the conversation.
These experiences help him get more familiar with USMNT tactical demands and coaching staff expectations.
Position on USMNT Depth Chart
On the USMNT depth chart, Farfan sits just outside the top tier of left-backs. He competes with both established names and rising prospects.
The staff sees him as a dependable backup, with room to move up depending on his club form and team needs.
The left-back spot has seen plenty of rotation lately. Farfan’s consistency and versatility keep him in the running, especially if key starters are out with injuries or club conflicts.
He’s not first-choice yet, but his chances could grow as the squad evolves through qualifying and tournament play.
Here’s how the left-back pecking order looks right now:
USMNT Left-Back: Current Depth Chart (Summer 2025)
- Antonee Robinson
- DeJuan Jones
- John Tolkin
- Marco Farfan
- Kevin Paredes
Farfan’s spot on this list shows his improvement and keeps him in the mix for future call-ups. You can check out his FC Dallas profile for more.
Recent News and Contract Updates
Marco Farfan has made headlines for his play on the field and his contract news off it. FC Dallas fans have kept a close eye on his health and long-term role.
Latest News Coverage
Earlier this year, Farfan landed in the news after a medical procedure kept him out for a while. He missed about two months recovering from a fasciotomy on both legs—a surgery to fix a chronic issue.
The club expected him back around midseason, and they definitely missed him while he was out.
Once he returned, Farfan wasted no time regaining his starting spot as a key left back. His defensive reliability and occasional attacking contributions helped FC Dallas through a tough Western Conference slate.
In one of his first games back, he made the MLS Team of the Matchday for a standout performance.
Recent Marco Farfan Statistics:
| Category | 2025 Season* |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 16 |
| Games Started | 15 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 |
| Minutes Played | 1,350 |
*As of July 7, 2025
For the latest, you can follow the most recent Farfan headlines or check out official club coverage.
Contract Extensions and Terms
In December 2022, Farfan signed a three-year contract extension with FC Dallas. The deal includes a club option for 2026, giving Dallas some flexibility while showing they trust his abilities.
The club’s commitment means you’ll probably see Farfan in Dallas colors for a while—unless something unexpected happens.
His new contract ended any talk about his future. Honestly, it felt like a well-deserved reward after his steady performances since joining the club.
He’s already confirmed to be under contract for 2025, as Big D Soccer details.
This move keeps stability in FC Dallas’s back line and reinforces the club’s trust in Farfan as a top defender. If they pick up the option for 2026, that back line will stay strong for another year.
For more contract details, check his official FC Dallas profile.
Media Highlights and Videos
Marco Farfan’s play with FC Dallas has drawn plenty of media coverage, especially video highlights capturing his best moments. Fans get to see his defensive skills and attacking flashes up close, thanks to detailed footage and interviews.
Top Video Moments
You can catch Marco Farfan’s top plays in several key match videos. His first goal of the season—scored in a 4-1 win over San Jose—really stands out.
That moment got post-game reaction and tactical breakdowns. Farfan doesn’t score often, so when he does, it’s a big talking point.
Official team sites and sports networks have featured his interview clips, including post-match thoughts and strategy chat. For example, his comments after scoring against San Jose are up on YouTube, where you can hear his take on the team’s performance and morale.
Quick Stats Overview:
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 1 |
| Position | Left Back |
| Club | FC Dallas |
Notable Match Footage
If you follow FC Dallas matches, you’ll spot Farfan popping up in highlight reels from big games—especially those clashes against St. Louis CITY SC and Atlanta United.
You might remember moments like his penalty in the 23rd minute or that sharp goal in the 20th. Those clips really show how much he influences the action.
MLS and club channels keep rolling out replays, putting the spotlight right on his biggest plays.
Want a deeper dive? You can check out full highlight packages from recent seasons. They really show how Farfan’s become such a steady presence in the starting lineup.
He dealt with some injury issues early in 2024, but bounced back with solid minutes and, honestly, some impressive form.
For match recaps and more highlights, just head over to the official FC Dallas player page. Major soccer outlets also crank out video updates pretty often.
