MLS news from the Holidays

It has been a pretty quiet Holiday season so far for MLS.  It will start picking up soon as the MLS Superdraft is shortly ahead and then comes the preseason.  FC Dallas has made the biggest splash so far with the signing of Mexican internation Duilio Davino who should make an immediate impact in the FCD defense.  Another huge event on the horizon could be MLS star Taylor Twellman heading overseas.

FC Dallas signs Club America star Davino
America defender Duilio Davino to a two-year contract on Wednesday, a move team officials expect will shore up their defense and appeal to their Hispanic fan base. Davino, a central defender, has made more than 80 appearances with the Mexican National Team and more than 320 appearances with Club America, arguably the most popular club in Mexico. He is expected to replace former FC Dallas central defender Clarence Goodson, who was selected by San Jose in the expansion draft.  I must admit I was not excited at all when the club left Goodson unprotected as it was pretty obvious he would be selected by San Jose.  However, the Davino signing should provide an upgrade to Goodson and also be a draw for the significant Hispanic population in DFW.

Taylor Twellman heading to England?
The postman might ring twice, but European clubs do not always come knocking more than once in a player's career.   Until recently, Taylor Twellman had given up on receiving another chance overseas. But since the transfer window reopened last week, Twellman has become the subject of a transfer bid from Preston North End, which is desperate to escape the cellar of the Coca Cola Championship.  And Twellman seems eager to make the move. Preston's initial offer of slightly less than $1.7 million was rejected by the MLS, but the club was expected to increase the bid to $2 million. Though Twellman's salary is among the top 10 in the MLS (not counting designated players), he could at least double his salary at Preston, plus earn a percentage of the transfer.  Twellman, who turns 28 next month, is currently attending the U.S. camp in Carson, Calif. But his fate is being determined by MLS headquarters, agent Dan Segal and Preston North End.

LA Galaxy suffer injury blow to Ante Jazic
Los Angeles Galaxy defender Ante Jazic could miss four to six months after having right ankle surgery. Jazic had an arthroscopic procedure in late December that led to removal and smoothing of cartilage, the team said Thursday. The 31-year-old defender could return early in the Major League Soccer season, which begins March 29. Jazic appeared in 18 games last season for the Galaxy, with 16 starts. He missed more than a month after injuring his ankle Aug. 18 and missed more time while playing for Canada in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.