FRISCO, Texas – For all the team’s early success in 2015, only one player on FC Dallas’ roster has played the full 90 minutes of every game so far this season.
And it may not be who you think.
Midfielder Victor Ulloa, a 23-year-old Homegrown product, has started every game for his hometown club dating back to May 10 of last season, and played 90 minutes in all but one of them. And even though he is not one of FCD’s flashy goal threats – he’s scored no goals and only one assist in five seasons – he has earned his “iron man” status through clean bills of health and consistently impressing his head coach.
“Resiliency. That’s him,” head coach Oscar Pareja said of what makes Ulloa consistent. “That makes him stronger, and now he’s proven.”
For Ulloa to survive Pareja’s tendency to constantly tinker with lineups is an accomplishment unto itself. Knowing that Pareja preaches a culture of competition at every spot on the pitch on a week-by-week basis, the Wylie, Texas product has had to work tirelessly to earn the minutes he’s received, with his next opportunity coming on Friday in a trip to face Sporting Kansas City (9 pm ET, UDN, UnivisionDeportes.com).
“He [Pareja] requires a lot of running, a lot of discipline, a lot of order from my position, and that’s what I try to give him,” Ulloa told MLSsoccer.com. “I’m glad that he sees that and gives me the opportunity every week.”
Outside of his play on the pitch, one of Ulloa’s biggest impacts on the club is his status as a product of the team’s academy. Dallas have produced a handful of quality players from their own backyard, including Ulloa’s teammate and former childhood best friend Moises Hernandez and fellow midfielder Kellyn Acosta.
But having a Homegrown product like Ulloa consistently crack the starting XI provides powerful motivation for members of the academy.
“He got over all of the bridges and all of the hurdles, and then he knows that he has more in front of him,” Pareja said. “He doesn’t stop. That’s a good example for the kids.
“Sometimes with the youngsters, they have to be patient. They come to the first team and I know they are anxious to play, but you don’t get the minutes that you want. But Victor’s example is a good test of it. Victor waited three years, and now he’s playing. He’s still young, so he’s a good example for sure.”
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What Ulloa brings to the starting XI week in and week out – breaking up attacks, fighting for possession, out-hustling the opposition – is not readily measurable on the typical stat sheet. But that level of tenacity is recognized by his teammates as a pivotal element to FCD’s success.
“You can have all the creative and good players, but if you don’t also have the guys that are going to work hard and grind for the team, it’s not going to be easy,” defender Matt Hedges told MLSsoccer.com. “I think those guys are equally, maybe even more important.”
Pareja and Ulloa both said they are seeking ways to improve his production on the scoring front, looking for opportunities to get him into the opposition’s penalty box more frequently. “Papi” also mentioned that he is looking for Ulloa’s leadership qualities to improve – something he believes will come with time and experience.
But whether he continues to work in the shadows or eventually steps into the limelight, the Homegrown midfielder does not plan on letting go of his current iron man streak.
“It’s just a blessing to me,” Ulloa said. “I waited so long for this opportunity, and I can’t let it go now.”
