MLS FC Dallas

FCD Signs Brazilian Midfielder André Rocha from Atletico Paranaense

Published on February 12, 2008 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
FC Dallas News Release


FRISCO, Texas (Tuesday, February 12, 2008) - FC Dallas today announced the signing of Brazilian midfielder André Rocha, who becomes the second player loaned to FCD from partner Clube Atletico Paranaense of Brazil's Serie A. The 23-year-old joins forward Ricardinho, who is entering his second season with FCD after being loaned by Atletico Paranaense in July 2007. Rocha will join the team immediately for preseason training and be eligible for regular season selection upon receipt of his visa. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We're delighted to bring Rocha to FC Dallas," said FCD Head Coach Steve Morrow. "It highlights the tremendous benefit of our partnership with CAP. He has tremendous qualities, and can play several positions for us. He's a very talented player and we believe he's going to have a big impact, not just with our team, but within the League this year. He's someone we've had our eye on for a quite a while and we're pleased that we've reached an agreement with CAP to bring him here to FC Dallas."

Rocha joined the Sao Paulo youth system at age 11, and remained with them through the Junior team. He then began his professional career in 2002 as a right back with fourth-division Sao Paulo-based club, Aguas de Lindoia Esporte Clube. After a short stint with Portuguesa Santista, he was purchased by Palmeiras of the top division, where he played one season.

Since joining Atletico Paranaense in 2005, he has played in 47 games in all competitions, including nine appearances in the 2005 Copa Libertadores, in which Atletico Paranaense defeated Mexico's Guadalajara (Chivas) in the semifinals before falling to Sao Paulo in the finals. He also made one appearance in the 2007 Copa Sudamerica.

"We're excited to add another talented and athletic player from our Brazilian partner club, Atletico Paranaense," said FC Dallas General Manager Michael Hitchcock. "CAP is one of the best clubs in the world in developing great soccer players, and in Rocha, we're adding an experienced player who has played against some of the top teams in the Americas."

FC Dallas had the opportunity to watch Rocha play for Atletico Paranaense in person on a few occasions, including: once in Brazil against FCD in a preseason game on March 3, 2007, once at Pizza Hut Park on March 31, 2007; and twice in Trinidad and Tobago in December 2007 during the Shaka Hislop Tribute Cup.

In September 2006, FC Dallas and Clube Atletico Paranaense established an exclusive partnership that includes among other elements, the USA-Brazil Challenge; the opportunities to, in good faith, loan players to each other on a free basis; and the exchange of best practices in all areas of business, sport, and youth structures. Current FCD forward Ricardinho became the first player the team signed from Paranaense, when he joined FCD in July 2007. Ricardinho appeared in eight regular season games with Dallas last season, notching his first MLS assist on Abe Thompson's game-winning goal at Columbus on Oct. 6, which clinched a playoff berth for FCD.

Rocha Professional Career

Águas de Lindóia/SP: 2002-2003

Portuguesa Santista/SP: 2004

Palmeiras/SP: 2004

Atlético/PR: 2005-2008

Name: André Rocha

Pronunciation: Ahn-drey Ro-shah

Number: 11

Height: 6-1

Weight: 190

DOB: August 19, 1984

Birthplace: Sao Paolo, Brazil

Hometown: Sao Paolo, Brazil

Last Club: Atletico Paranaense (Brazil)

Nationality: Brazil

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