FC Dallas and Brazil's Clube Atletico Paranaense, have announced that Atletico Paranaense forward Ricardo Alves Pereira, commonly known as Ricardinho, has been loaned to FC Dallas in the first-ever player exchange between the two partner clubs. The 18-year old Brazilian youth international, who has been training with FCD since June 19, received his approved visa over the weekend and is now eligible to participate in all FC Dallas games, including in SuperLiga, which begins on tonight with FC Dallas hosting Chivas de Guadalajara at Pizza Hut Park (8 pm).
"We're very excited to have Ricardinho," said FC Dallas head coach Steve Morrow. "He brings a lot of great attributes with his athleticism and speed. He's a very skillful player but someone who also has a great work ethic. We think he has enormous potential on the field and we look forward to fitting him in with our team."
Ricardinho joined the Atletico Paranaense youth system in 2003 at the age of 15, playing on the U-17 and U-20 teams. He made his professional-team debut in 2004 at age 16 against Sao Paolo at Kyocera Arena in Curitiba, Brazil, though continued playing for the youth teams as well. From 2003-2006, he made 11 first-team appearances, tallying three goals. Before joining FC Dallas, Ricardinho scored once while appearing in 12 first teams games in Brazil's Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A in 2007.
"I think this certainly enhances the partnership between FC Dallas and Atletico Paranaense," added Morrow. "That we can work out a deal with a player of his potential, a young player who we feel can contribute for many years to come, it strengthens the relationship and everyone can see the value of the partnership between the two teams."
Internationally, Ricardinho has represented Brazil in the U-16 and U-17 South American Championships in 2004 and 2005 respectively. In 2006, he also played for Brazil's National U-18 and U-20 teams.
Ricardinho will occupy the 18-man senior roster space and youth international slot which is freed up by placing Ecuadorian forward Roberto Mina on the season-ending injury list after having surgery on his left ACL, MCL, and meniscus. Mina injured his knee in the team's final preseason game on March 31 against Atletico Paranaense at Pizza Hut Park.
In September 2006, FC Dallas and Clube Atletico Paranaense established an exclusive partnership that includes among other elements, a home-and-away series which was played earlier this year; the opportunities to, in good faith, loan players to each other on a free basis; and the exchanged of best practices in all areas of business, sport, and youth structures.
After CAP won first-leg of the USA-Brazil Challenge 3-1 at Kyocera Arena in Curitiba on March 7, Ricardinho then led CAP's 1-0 win over FC Dallas in the second leg on March 31 at Pizza Hut Park by scoring the game's only goal
