FC Dallas trotted out their two newest players on Tuesday, as Mexican defender Duilio Davino and Brazilian midfielder Andre Rocha met the media for about 30 minutes before an afternoon training session.
Davino was signed by the Hoops in January. He had spent 10 seasons with Mexican giant Club America and served as the Aguilas' captain for many of those seasons. He is expected to start at center back and to immediately solidify a back line that was one of the league's most porous units a season ago.
"We're anxious to get him in and integrated into the group," FCD head coach Steve Morrow said. "I think he's going to bring a lot off the field as well. We want to get him settled in with the group as quickly as possible. We expect him to be a good leader for everybody here. He will be an important part of what we're going to do in preseason."
The Mexican international elaborated on his reasons for coming to MLS.
"There was interest from both sides," he said. "Other Hispanic players have come and had good success. I didn't think about it more than once and decided to come."
Davino realizes that from the moment he was signed by the Hoops, the expectation began that he would turn the defense around.
"I have no problem with that," Davino said. "I've come here to get the most out of myself and to help. I want to be able to provide the experience that I've acquired and to continue learning more."
Davino also took time to answer any possible concerns about a drop off in pace that some south of the border said they have recently seen in the 32-year-old center back.
"I was with America for 10 years and know how the press critiques that team," he said. "I respect what they say but don't share many of the same points. I trained very hard, will show what I can do and will leave it to you guys to critique or support."
Rocha was signed by FCD from their South American partner, Brazilian side Clube Atletico Paranaense. Rocha is the second player from CAP, along with second-year forward Ricardinho, to play for the Hoops.
Morrow is equally ecstatic to have him in the fold and at the sheer thought of having a full squad present for the first time during preseason.
"We're delighted to have him," he said. "I think he's going to be a very exciting talent and a great addition to our roster. We're excited to get him going and to see how he will fit into the team. He's got great attributes, great technical ability, a great engine and can play a couple of positions for us. We're delighted that it's done."
The FCD coach likes the versatility that Rocha brings to his side's roster.
"He (Rocha) feels very comfortable playing in the middle and also on the right," Morrow said. "I've seen him play as a holding midfielder and also play more of an attacking role. He's got great range to his game and will be important to us at different positions this year."
Both players might not have to wait long to make their FCD debut. The Hoops face the University of Memphis on Saturday afternoon at Pizza Hut Park. Morrow said earlier in the week that every member of his roster would see time and that might or might not include Davino and Rocha.
"We'll start working them (our veteran players) in this Saturday for sure," Morrow said. "We want to have a good week of training and get them some minutes because we have a game against Tigres next week. We want to start working on our shape a little bit and some team play. I'm definitely getting everyone some minutes on Saturday. But we also have some decisions to make on some of the younger players. We also want to make sure they get a good look."
Steve Huntis a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
