It will be home sweet home for Toronto FC's new signing Dwayne De Rosario. The 30 year old Canadian international midfielder was born in Scarborough and knows all about the passion of Toronto FC supporters.
"Being born in Scarborough and growing up in the Toronto area it is great to have professional soccer here," said De Rosario. "The support that Toronto FC gets is amazing. The fan base is tremendous and they are passionate, knowledgeable fans."
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De Rosario is no stranger to BMO Field having played there for Canada and also scored the winning goal for the MLS All-Stars against English Premier League team West Ham United in July 2008.
"Playing in front of family and friends is always an experience that you cherish," he said. "Growing up as a kid I never had that luxury of playing professional soccer in Canada. The closest I got was Toronto Lynx. Even then, just having friends and family coming and showing support is a great feeling. To know that your energy on the field can really have an impact on the people watching is a rewarding feeling and a humbling one."
De Rosario signed with the Toronto Lynx at the age of 18 and after stops in Germany and Richmond, he made his MLS debut in 2001 with San Jose. That year provided one of many career highlights.
"2001 was very special for me because it was my first year in the league," said De Ro. "Frank Yallop gave me the opportunity to be involved in this league and I went on to score the winning goal for San Jose to win the MLS Cup for the first time in their history. That really marked my name in the league and it is a moment I will never forget."
He has won two MLS Cup MVP awards and back-to-back Goal of the Year awards as well as being named All-Star MVP. "When I scored against Chelsea in the All-Star game it was very special. Chelsea were being talked about all over the world at that time because of all the world class players they had picked up."
