Davino Signs with FCD

After several days of intense negotiations, FC Dallas has signed Mexican defender Duilio Davino to a two-year contract, with the option of additional years. Terms of the contract were not released, but officials said the player will not be counted as a Designated Player, meaning that he will make under the league maximum of $400,000.Davino, 31, is an established defender who has spent the last 10 years on the backline of Club America, appearing in 323 games over that span. He has also had success on the international level, having earned 80 caps for El Tri, starting in 1995. He was on his country's roster for the 1998 World Cup.

"This team needs a leader in the back," said FCD head coach Steve Morrow. "He would provide that. He does give our back line a great deal of flexibility," continued Morrow. "He's been brought in to help with some of the young players and teach them to be leaders."

The acquisition of Davino helps Dallas fill the hole created by the loss of Clarence Goodson, who was taken by the San Jose Earthquakes late last year in the expansion draft.

"I wouldn't say [Davino] is a lightning-fast player, but he is very, very smart and intelligent," Morrow said. "He's got experience playing at the top level for many, many years."