FC Dallas Signs MLS MVP David Ferreira to New Contract

Suddenly, Dallas is a desirable destination in Major League Soccer.

Rather than parlay his success into a move, league MVP David Ferreira has decided to extend his stay Texas. On Wednesday, FC Dallas announced a new multi-year deal with the Colombian playmaker, who led the once-beleaguered franchise to its first MLS Cup Final last month.

Terms were not disclosed. Ferreira, 31, made $300,000 in 2010, his second year in Dallas. He was the club's highest paid player by a considerable margin.

"I've always said that I felt great with this team. I felt like I was at home," Ferreira told FCDallas.com.

"The support of the coaching staff was very important in the confidence it gave me when I was on the field. That's why I wanted to remain with the team. The team helped me to get all the merits I achieved in 2010."

FCD coach Schellas Hyndman said, "Everyone knows how important he is to FC Dallas' success. What fans may not know is that he is truly a wonderful person, who leads by example. David's leadership and remarkable play will help FC Dallas continue to compete for an MLS Cup."

The club has shed considerable money from its payroll since falling in the final to the Colorado Rapids and has the leeway to give Ferreira a nice raise.

Striker Jeff Cunningham ($230,125) was made available in the MLS re-entry draft and was chosen by the Columbus Crew. Midfielder Dax McCarty ($165,000) was a surprise inclusion in the expansion draft and was traded to D.C. United after his selection by the Portland Timbers. Forward Atiba Harris ($71,970) went to the Vancouver Whitecaps. Goalkeeper Darío Sala's ($178,125) option was declined as well, and he was not taken in the re-entry draft.

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"The coach will try to find other players similar to the parts that are gone, and those who are staying will try to help make the team solid to be in the championship discussion. We have to be contenders again. We cannot settle for what we did in 2010," Ferreira said.

"I'm returning to the team with the intention of being the favorites. That's my mentality and that's what I want, to win the title. I will work hard to get to that game again ... We can't simply be satisfied with a good 2010 season that lacked a win in the final game for the title."

Ferreira had 10 goals and 13 assists in league play last season.