WASHINGTON – As with most trades in professional sports, a player reports to his new club first and sorts personal matters out later.
Such was the case with D.C. United midfielder Luis Silva, who was acquired from Toronto FC last week and started in United’s international friendly Friday against Chivas de Guadalajara. Since then, he’s had a chance to go back to Toronto and transport some key belongings to D.C. with him, including his car.
“Everything’s falling into place,” Silva said. “And now I have a car to go places and all that, so that’s good. The team’s been very helpful with looking for places to live and settling in.”
Silva is in the process of doing the same on the field as well. And in doing so, he’ll try to find a spot among United’s many other talented attacking midfielders – Nick DeLeon, Chris Pontius and Dwayne De Rosario. D.C. head coach Ben Olsen could have a challenge on his hands trying to find the best spot on the field for everyone, especially now with DeLeon back in training. But it’s a good problem to have.
READ: D.C. United land Conor Doyle on loan from Derby County via lottery
DeLeon said he was pleasantly surprised when he heard the news that Unitedacquired Silva.
“He brings a lot of quality to our attacking half. He’s a quality player and I feel like he plays the game simply,” DeLeon said. “I’m really excited about him being on our team. He’s definitely going to change the dynamic of our attack.”
Olsen started Silva at forward, where he was playing in Toronto, against Chivas. In 14 league matches with the Reds in 2013, Silva didn’t score, assisted two goals and attempted 20 shots (eight on target).
“Anywhere in the middle,” Silva said when asked where he’s most comfortable. “We’re trying to attack as a group and as long as we’re defending on our lines, it doesn’t matter if we’re on the left, right or middle. I think I’ll fit anywhere in that attacking group.”
WATCH: United's Michael Seaton talks after making debut in Chivas friendly
Silva already has experience playing with Pontius as the two were teammates at UC Santa Barbara.
“I’m super excited to have someone from Santa Barbara here,” Silva said. “It’s something special and it doesn’t really happen that much. We went out to eat and he’s been showing me around town as well.”
Despite oppressive humidity in D.C., Silva said he’s adjusting quickly to his new club and is hopeful to make a difference in Saturday’s match in Chicago (8:30 pm ET, watch on MLS Live).
“All these guys can play football, so it makes everything easier for me,” Silva said. “I love to keep the ball on the ground and look for passes on the ground. In general I think I’m good at adapting to teams quickly, so I think that has helped me in my career.”
