Rarely do clubs have the opportunity to evaluate international talent in such an intimate way – but FC Dallas became all too familiar with Tauro FC in 2011.
FCD was outscored 6-4 and salvaged just a single point in two CONCACAF Champions League matches against Tauro.
But the team now has something of real value to show after acquiring defender Carlos Rodriguez from the Panamanian side on Friday.
“After the first game, the coaching staff got together and said, ‘Hey, that left back is pretty good,’” said manager Schellas Hyndman following Monday’s morning session. “We paid a little more attention to him the second time, and he got forward a bit and was impressive.”
Rodriguez joins a Dallas back line that has been rejuvenated by an infusion of young talent this off-season.
The club acquired Colombian center back Hernán Pertúz earlier this off-season from Independiente Medellín of the Colombian first division.
All-American center back Matt Hedges was also added with the team’s lone SuperDraft selection.
But the loan of George John to English-side West Ham United has left the club scrambling to build depth for the coming season.
“Right now, Carlos is really being brought in to add depth to the team,” Hyndman said. “He’s versatile, has good athleticism, and is playing at a pretty good level – so we’re pretty excited about having him being a part of our team and then measuring him against what we already have.”
Hyndman believes the Panamanian defender fits a need as a suitable backup at multiple positions, although the manager won’t rule out a larger role for the 21-year-old next season.
After all, if the youngster proves worthy of consideration in the starting XI at left back, he might also help fill the void left by the departure of Jackson in the midfield.
“I think this environment might bring the best out of him,” said Hyndman. “If Carlos is doing really well, I may bump Jair [Benitez] up into left midfield, where he’s played a little for us as well.”
While the club is anxious to see the Panamanian in Frisco, Rodriguez has not yet had his appointment to obtain his visa, pushing his arrival off for at least a week.
“Ideally, he’d join the team with the other guys, which is right after the Panama versus US game,” said Hyndman.
Rodriguez will have one more opportunity to impress his future teammates, joining newly signed forward Blas Peréz as Panama takes on Brek Shea, Zach Loyd and the US men’s national team on Wednesday.
If history is any indication, Rodriguez will play well at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City.
His last game there against American competition: a 5-3 victory over FC Dallas.
