FRISCO, Texas — Columbia men's soccer alumnus Michael Collodi '23CC has been promoted to Major League Soccer (MLS), signing a contract with FC Dallas for the 2025 season. The club announced Collodi's signing last week.
 
"I couldn't be more excited to be signing with FC Dallas," said Collodi, a native of Frisco, Texas who ranks No. 2 in Columbia men's soccer history in career saves. "It's been a goal of mine to become an MLS player for a very long time, and I wouldn't have wanted it to be with any other club than the one that I grew up playing for.
 
"To my teammates, coaches and friends at Columbia, I just want to say thank you! I was fortunate enough to not only attend a great university but also be a part of a program in which I was able to interact with many different fantastic coaches and players. They all pushed me and helped me develop as a player and a person. I don't think I would be here without it and, for that, I am more than grateful."
 
Collodi spent the 2024 season with North Texas SC of MLS Next Pro. The goalkeeper led the club to the 2024 MLS Next Pro Cup, defeating Philadelphia Union II, 3-2, at Toyota Stadium to win the title. As North Texas's primary goalkeeper, Collodi played in 33 games and started 23, earning seven clean sheets, making 89 saves and posting a 73-percent save percentage. He was named the MLS Next Pro Goalkeeper of the Year and voted into the 2024 MLS Next Pro Best XI.
 
Launched in 2022, MLS Next Pro is a men's professional soccer league in the United States and Canada that is affiliated with Major League Soccer. It launched in 2022 with 21 teams and now comprises 27 reserve sides of MLS clubs and 2 independent clubs. 
 
In four seasons playing for the Lions, Collodi made 237 career saves. He was a three-time All-Ivy League honoree and two-time Ivy League Defensive Player of the Week, earning both recognitions as a senior. He was also the Ivy League Rookie of the Week on September 30, 2019.
 
Collodi and FC Dallas open the 2025 MLS season on Saturday, February 22, against Houston Dynamo FC.
 
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