FC Dallas have added experienced goalkeeper Daniel from San Jose Earthquakes in a trade announced Thursday, bringing MLS know-how to the Texas side as they chase a playoff push.

The Brazilian shot-stopper arrives with a U.S. green card, so he won’t take up an international roster spot for FC Dallas, who sit fourth in Major League Soccer with 25 points from 15 games.

What happened in the Daniel transfer?

FC Dallas acquired Daniel in exchange for up to $1 million in General Allocation Money (GAM) — $700,000 guaranteed and $300,000 in conditional fees. The clubs made the deal official on July 11, 2026, just as San Jose bolstered their own goalkeeping ranks by landing Scottish international Angus Gunn.

Daniel, 31, has made 86 appearances across all competitions since taking over as San Jose’s No. 1 in 2023. He racked up 15 clean sheets in that span and previously played for Brazilian Série A side Internacional.

Why it matters for FC Dallas

André Zanotta, FC Dallas’s chief soccer officer, called Daniel “a great addition” who understands the league’s demands and adds competition in goal. With the club chasing Vancouver Whitecaps in the title race — seven points back — depth between the posts matters.

Homegrown goalkeeper Michael Collodi has started 13 games this season, posting three clean sheets. Daniel steps in as a proven MLS option who can step straight into a backup role or push Collodi for minutes.

What comes next for both sides?

FC Dallas continue their push toward the playoffs with a four-point cushion over the eighth-place side. Their next fixture is a tricky away trip to Charlotte on October 10, 2026, as they aim to tighten the gap on Vancouver.

San Jose, meanwhile, have reshaped their goalkeeping group with Gunn’s arrival and now look to steady their defense after shipping out Daniel. The Earthquakes sit 11th in the West with 18 points from 15 games and 22 goals conceded.

League standing: FC Dallas are fourth in Major League Soccer, 25 points, 7W-4D-4L from 15 games, recent form WWLWW. Goals this season: 30 scored, 22 conceded (+8 goal difference). Title race: 7 points behind leaders Vancouver Whitecaps.