FRISCO, Texas — There are some final details to hammer out before FC Dallas players report to Pizza Hut Park for preseason physicals later this month, but this much is clear:
“We will be in Florida, at the Disney Tournament,” FCD technical director Barry Gorman told MLSsoccer.com. “We will also be in Arizona. This is good to get the players in terms of bonding and get a good chance to see people in more temperate weather and conditions, hopefully.”
Gorman also ruled out a potential trip to Brazil to train with Clube Atlético Paranaense, something that had been a part of preseason in the past.
“Not this year," Gorman said. "That’s just been basically because of the season being moved up because of the addition of the expansion teams and trying to get the schedule. It’s just been tough to do that and also being cost-conscious. It’s also looking primarily to see if we can get quality games. [Head coach Schellas Hyndman] likes to play against other MLS teams so that we can test the waters.”
Although the club doesn’t quite have its preseason roster set, one name that could be added is Brazilian midfielder Ricardo Villar, who played for Gorman at Penn State and more recently has been in Germany’s third division.
Speedy Honduran midfielder Marvin Chavez is also expected back in the fold as the club is close to announcing a contract extension long before FCD open the 2011 season on March 19 against Brimstone Cup rival Chicago.
“I would hope to announce it very shortly,” Gorman said.
Of course, the FCD players that live in the Dallas area year round have been fixtures in Frisco since the season ended in late November, but a number of players who live away from the Metroplex have also started making their way back, a good sign for club officials.
“Yes, a few of them, we’ve seen or we’ve had reports of them being in at different times," Gorman said. "I think the guys are anxious to get back and get started."
