Maarten Paes Competes With Jimmy Maurer To Become FC Dallas’ Starting Goalkeeper

Jakarta, Todaysgist.com – The goalkeeper who has just strengthened the Indonesian National Team, Maarten Paes, will compete with Jimmy Maurier to compete for the position as the main goalkeeper for FC Dallas in their action in the Major League Soccer (MLS) competition.

Paes performed brilliantly in his first two actions defending the Indonesian National Team in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the Asian zone. He was recorded as making nine saves in the Indonesian National Team’s matches against Saudi Arabia and Australia.

In his debut in Jeddah, he made three saves against Saudi Arabia. Paes was showered with praise after successfully saving the Indonesian goal from conceding a penalty. In the match, the two teams were drawing 1-1 when Saudi Arabia was awarded a penalty in the 77th minute. Saudi Arabia captain Saleem Al-Dausari stepped up as the executioner.

Supporters at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Jeddah were already convinced that the penalty kick would result in a goal. But thanks to his composure, Paes managed to ward off the kick from the captain who has played for the Saudi Arabian national team 88 times.

The goalkeeper who joined FC Dallas in 2022 continued his brilliant performance in his second match for the Indonesian National Team. Playing at SUGBK, Indonesia was continuously attacked by the Australian national team coached by Graham Arnold.

One of Australia’s golden opportunities occurred in the 35th minute. Australian player Craig Goodwin managed to penetrate the Indonesian defense from the left wing. He then released a shot that almost resulted in a goal. However, Paes managed to block Goodwin’s kick with his body and thwarted the Al-Wehda player’s opportunity.

When he returns to the club Paes is expected to have to compete with another goalkeeper Jimmy Maurier. The goalkeeper from the United States also performed well in FC Dallas’ last match in MLS.

He appeared as the starting goalkeeper in the match against Vancouver Whitecaps. As a result, FC Dallas managed to hold the Canadian-based team to a goalless draw.

Maurier’s impressive performance earned him a place in the Team of the Match MLSsoccer.com week 31. In this match, Maurer made his debut in the 2024 MLS regular season by making four saves throughout the match.

He reached for clean sheet his first start since August 7, 2021, in FC Dallas’ 2-0 win over Austin FC. Maurer last appeared in starting XI Team of the Week in week 21 of the 2020 MLS season.

This record makes Paes have to compete tightly with the 35-year-old goalkeeper. FC Dallas also has another goalkeeper, Antonio Carrera. However, the tight competition for the position as number one goalkeeper seems to be between Paes and Maurier.

It remains to be seen who FC Dallas coach Peter Luccin will choose to fill the starting goalkeeper position. FC Dallas will resume its MLS action on Thursday (9/19/2024) against hosts Real Salt Lake.