Antonio Carrera, FC Dallas Goalkeeper #13: Career, Transfers & Achievements

You watch a young goalkeeper rise through the ranks, staying cool under pressure and showing sharp instincts between the posts. Antonio Carrera, once FC Dallas’ promising Homegrown signing, took those early flashes of talent and built a professional career that’s still gathering steam.

Honestly, he’s a perfect example of what FC Dallas’ academy can do—and what kind of doors it opens for players who work for it.

Carrera was born in Pachuca de Soto, Mexico. He joined the FC Dallas youth system when he was just 10 and quickly became one of North Texas SC’s most reliable players.

His time at the University of North Carolina really helped polish his skills before he stepped into the professional spotlight. At 6-foot-4, he’s hard to miss in goal, and his steady play earned him looks from several U.S. youth national teams.

Now he wears #13, and his story links the academy fields in Frisco to the bright lights of Liga MX. His transfer to Tigres UANL starts a new chapter, one built on years of quiet confidence and steady growth.

His journey from youth prospect to international pro really hints at the future of American goalkeeping.

Antonio Carrera: Player Profile

You see a young keeper who mixes technical sharpness with a calm that’s rare for his age. His path from youth academy prospect to professional starter shows focus, adaptability, and a drive to keep climbing.

Biographical Background

Antonio Carrera was born on March 15, 2004, in Pachuca de Soto, Mexico. He grew up in Texas and joined the FC Dallas youth system in 2014 when he was just ten.

Two years later, he moved up to the club’s academy and started developing under a system that’s famous for producing pros.

He signed as FC Dallas’ 33rd Homegrown player on February 21, 2022, and made his pro debut with North Texas SC on March 26, 2022.

Carrera soon became a mainstay for the MLS NEXT Pro side, setting club records in matches played, saves, and shutouts.

In June 2025, FC Dallas sent Carrera to Tigres UANL in Liga MX. That marked his first move abroad.

He went to Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, juggling school and his early soccer career.

Career Snapshot

Club / Team	Years Active	Appearances	Shutouts	Notes
North Texas SC	2022–2024	43	9	Most by a goalkeeper in club history
FC Dallas	2022–2025	Limited	—	Served as backup and cup option
Tigres UANL	2025–Present	—	—	First Liga MX contract

Physical Attributes and Playing Style

Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Carrera uses his height to control aerial situations. You notice his wingspan and timing when he comes out for crosses or reacts to shots in close.

His footwork and balance help him adjust to deflections and stay in control, even when the box gets crowded.

Carrera’s distribution is a real asset. He likes to play short passes to build from the back, but he’s not afraid to launch long balls into attack if that’s what the play needs.

Coaches love his calm under pressure and the way he organizes defenders when the game gets chaotic.

He spends a lot of time working on reaction drills and anticipatory movement, which has made him quicker and sharper with his decisions.

His style fits what you want from a modern goalkeeper—good hands, good feet, and a smart approach to the game.

Dual Nationality and Identity

Carrera holds dual nationality with Mexico and the United States. He was born in Mexico but raised in Texas, so he blends both soccer cultures.

You can see this mix in his play—he has Mexican technical discipline but also the athleticism from the U.S. development system.

He’s played for the United States at the U15, U17, and U20 levels, which shows the federation believes in his potential.

Still, his Mexican roots remain a big part of who he is and keep him connected to both sets of fans.

Carrera often credits his family for helping him through all the changes between clubs and countries. That balance of heritage and opportunity gives him a broader perspective on the sport and the responsibility of representing two nations.

FC Dallas Career

Antonio Carrera’s time with FC Dallas looks like a steady climb built on patience, skill, and a lot of preparation. He joined the club young, earned a homegrown deal, and worked his way through North Texas SC before getting first-team recognition.

His path really shows that consistent performances and good habits can shape a goalkeeper’s pro future.

Homegrown Player Signing

Carrera signed as a Homegrown Player with FC Dallas in February 2022, becoming the club’s 33rd homegrown signing. That deal was the result of years working in the Dallas academy, where he’d been training since 2014.

He joined after going to Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, balancing school with soccer. FC Dallas saw him as a long-term project, someone who could develop behind more experienced keepers.

Carrera’s signing brought new attention to the club’s goalkeeping pipeline. FC Dallas had produced homegrown talent in other spots, but Carrera’s technical skills and calm presence made people look twice.

The contract included options for 2025 and 2026, so the club clearly believed in his future. His role grew as he split time between the senior squad and North Texas SC in MLS NEXT Pro.

Professional Debut and Early Matches

Carrera made his professional debut with North Texas SC on March 26, 2022. Even in those first games, you could see his composure.

He started 43 times for the club, setting all-time marks for saves (170) and shutouts (9) according to FC Dallas.

Season	Club	Matches	Saves	Shutouts	Competition
2022–2024	North Texas SC	43	170	9	MLS NEXT Pro

His play helped North Texas SC win the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Cup, and he played a big role in that championship run.

Each start gave him more confidence. You could see him improve his command of the box and his distribution under pressure.

Role in the First Team

Carrera moved up to the FC Dallas first team with a lot of expectation on his shoulders. He trained regularly with Maarten Paes and Michael Collodi, learning from both.

Paes stayed the starter, but Carrera’s presence made the goalkeeper group stronger. He made several matchday rosters and was always ready to step in.

In 2024, FC Dallas recalled him from a loan with North Carolina FC to provide depth before a match against Minnesota United FC, as FC Dallas noted. That move showed the staff trusted his development and readiness.

By June 2025, FC Dallas transferred Carrera to Tigres UANL in Liga MX. That move rewarded his steady progress and gave him a shot at a new challenge with a top club.

North Texas SC and MLS NEXT Pro Success

Antonio Carrera’s steady rise with North Texas SC really shaped his early pro years. His consistent play, growing leadership, and record-setting numbers built a strong base for his future in Major League Soccer.

Key Performances and Records

Carrera became a central figure for North Texas SC, starting almost every game for two seasons. He played in 43 matches, more than any other goalkeeper in club history, and set all-time records for shutouts (9) and saves (170) according to OurSports Central.

He stood out in MLS NEXT Pro, earning Player of Matchday 24 after a clutch 1–0 win against Whitecaps FC 2, as FC Dallas reports. He also won the first MLS NEXT Pro Save of the Year for a huge stop against Houston Dynamo 2.

Career Stats with North Texas SC

Category	Total	Record
Matches Played	43	Club-high
Saves	170	Club record
Shutouts	9	Club record
MLS NEXT Pro Honors	2	Player of Matchday, Save of the Year

His calm presence and quick reflexes made him a steady last line of defense. His maturity grew with each start, thanks to both training and his natural temperament.

2024 MLS NEXT Pro Cup Championship

In 2024, Carrera helped North Texas SC win the MLS NEXT Pro Cup—a huge moment for the club and its development system.

His leadership in goal anchored a defense that thrived under pressure all playoffs long.

During the final, Carrera’s communication and positioning really stood out. He kept his back line organized and limited opponents’ chances.

His saves in big moments gave North Texas SC the confidence to push forward and seal the title.

Winning the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Cup Championship capped two years of steady progress. If you’ve followed his career, you saw how preparation and consistency led to real success.

Development Pathway

Carrera joined the FC Dallas Academy in 2014 and worked his way up through the youth system before signing a Homegrown Player deal in 2022, as Wikipedia notes.

He trained with the FC Dallas senior squad while getting pro minutes with North Texas SC.

He also attended Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas, balancing school with early soccer commitments. That experience helped shape his discipline and readiness for pro life.

By 2023, Carrera had become North Texas SC’s starting goalkeeper, racking up 35 appearances over two seasons. His time in MLS NEXT Pro bridged the gap between academy play and the top level, getting him ready for bigger opportunities with FC Dallas and beyond.

Transfers and Moves

Antonio Carrera’s career path shows steady growth, smart choices, and a willingness to tackle new challenges. His moves between clubs prove that consistent performance and patience can open doors at higher levels.

Transfer to Tigres UANL

FC Dallas sent goalkeeper Antonio Carrera to Club Tigres UANL of Liga MX in June 2025. This move tossed him into one of Mexico’s toughest leagues, letting him test himself against serious international talent.

Carrera signed with FC Dallas as a Homegrown player in 2022 after growing up in the club’s academy. He played for the United States at the U15, U17, and U20 levels, which really boosted his profile.

He was just 21 when he made this jump—a big leap for someone who hadn’t debuted in MLS but had turned heads at North Texas SC. Some reports tossed the deal around $1 million, though honestly, numbers varied depending on where you looked.

Year	From Club	To Club	League	Reported Fee	Age
2025	FC Dallas	Tigres UANL	Liga MX	Up to $1M (reported)	21

Loan to North Carolina FC

Before heading to Mexico, Carrera spent some time on loan at North Carolina FC in the USL Championship. That loan gave him the first-team minutes he just couldn’t grab at FC Dallas.

You could see his composure grow during those games. Starting regularly and working with defenders helped him sharpen his timing and communication.

North Carolina FC’s coaches trusted him with big matches. His performances caught the eye of scouts from both MLS and Liga MX, which definitely didn’t hurt his future prospects.

Season	Club	League	Appearances	Clean Sheets
2023	North Carolina FC (loan)	USL Championship	18	5

Market Value and Transfer Details

Carrera’s market value climbed as he built up experience with North Texas SC and on loan. Transfermarkt put his estimated value at €25,000 by 2025.

That number reflected his age, dual citizenship, and the potential he showed. Instead of hype, you could just look at his steady performances for proof.

He set records at North Texas SC: 43 appearances, nine shutouts, and 170 saves. Not bad for a young keeper trying to make a name for himself.

The transfer to Tigres UANL really showed that FC Dallas keeps producing players who can move abroad. For Carrera, it felt like both a nod of recognition and a challenge to prove himself at a higher level.

FC Dallas Academy and Youth Development

You see how early structure and steady coaching shape a goalkeeper’s journey. Antonio Carrera’s rise through the FC Dallas Academy shows that focused training and national exposure can really set up a young player for the pro game.

Progression Through FC Dallas Youth System

Carrera joined the FC Dallas youth system in 2014 when he was just 10. Two years later, he moved up to the FC Dallas Academy, training with coaches known for turning out MLS-ready talent.

He got a taste of the senior squad during the 2021 preseason. That early pro experience must’ve been a rush.

FC Dallas signed him as its 33rd Homegrown player on February 21, 2022, after he’d put in years climbing the academy ranks.

Carrera’s path looked clear: youth training, academy matches, reserve team play, then senior team integration. He also played for the U.S. at U-15, U-17, and U-20, showing how the academy connects with national programs.

Stage	Year Joined	Team	Key Milestone
Youth System	2014	FC Dallas Juniors	Joined at age 10
Academy	2016	FC Dallas Academy	Promoted to elite training group
Senior Team	2021	FC Dallas	Preseason training with first team
Homegrown Signing	2022	FC Dallas	Signed professional contract

Notable Youth Tournaments

Carrera’s youth career included some big tournaments that really tested his skills. He picked up Keeper of the Tournament at the Wanda Cup, which isn’t easy with all the international teams in the mix.

He also played in the Dallas Cup, one of the top youth tournaments in the U.S., and helped his team reach the final. Those events gave him experience against all sorts of playing styles and some real pressure.

His steady performances in these tournaments boosted his reputation in the FC Dallas Academy. Success in both domestic and international competitions showed how much the academy values real-game development.

International Career

Antonio Carrera’s early exposure to international soccer and his eligibility for multiple national teams shaped his growth. His story shows how a young keeper can juggle national pride with career opportunities.

United States Youth National Teams

Carrera has represented the United States at youth levels, including U15, U17, and U20. Playing in these programs gave him valuable experience against top international competition.

He joined the FC Dallas Academy at age 10 and worked his way up, eventually earning a Homegrown contract. That steady rise led to regular call-ups for U.S. youth camps.

Carrera’s technical skills, quick reactions, and calm under pressure earned him a reputation as one of the most reliable young keepers in the system. He played in tournaments featuring strong teams from Europe and South America, so he’s seen plenty of different styles.

Level	Years Active	Caps	Goals	Notable Events
U15	2019	3	0	Keeper of the Tournament, Wanda Cup
U17	2020–2021	5	0	U17 International Friendlies
U20	2022–2023	4	0	CONCACAF U20 preparation matches

These appearances built his standing within U.S. Soccer and could open doors for senior team involvement down the line.

International Representation Options

Antonio Carrera was born in Pachuca de Soto, Mexico, and he actually holds dual eligibility with both Mexico and the United States. Right now, he’s chosen to play for the U.S. at youth levels.

FIFA rules say he can still switch allegiance, as long as he hasn’t played a senior competitive match. That leaves the door open, doesn’t it?

You can see why both countries want him. Mexico really values homegrown talent in Liga MX, especially since Carrera joined Tigres UANL in 2025 after leaving FC Dallas (FC Dallas transfer announcement).

The United States keeps tracking his development too, adding him to its growing pool of goalkeepers.

Carrera’s choice might come down to where he sees more playing time, the depth charts, and honestly, which country he feels more connected to.

For now, his U.S. youth record and steady pro progress keep him firmly on the American radar. But he still has the option to represent Mexico if he wants to change things up later.