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September 11, 2009
FCD SIGNS DEF. HEATH PEARCE
N.Team player coming from Bundesliga
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Heath Pearce was signed today by FC Dallas. The U.S. Men's National Team player should make a major impact to the Dallas back line.
Photo by Linda Cuttone |
U.S. National Team defender Heath Pearce is now an FC Dallas player as roster changes keep piling up on top of each other for Dallas. FC Dallas General Manager Michael Hitchcock made the Pearce announcement today, explaining that Dallas acquired Pearce via its #1 allocation ranking.
Pearce will be added to the senior roster upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC). Defender Steve Purdy was waived to make room for Pearce.
“Heath is a high quality player who can play a lot of different positions, and we are very excited to welcome him to the club,” FC Dallas Head Coach Schellas Hyndman said. “We are really focusing on making our team stronger defensively, and Heath is a hard worker who can help us in that regard.”
Pearce had been under speculation for several weeks as a potential choice for Dallas; until word came he had chosen to sign with a Turkish team. But that deal fell through, or couldn’t be finalized before the international transfer window closed.
That put Pearce back on the market for MLS teams since his a U.S. citizen able to transfer from Europe to the MLS. Pearce has been playing for Hansa Rostock of the Bundesliga, appearing in 31 games.
He began his professional career in 2005 with FC Nordsjælland of the Danish Superliga. In his second season with FC Nordsjælland, Pearce helped the club to a fifth place finish, its highest position since being promoted in 2003. In 2007, Pearce signed with Hansa Rostock of the Bundesliga where he appeared in 31 games.
The 25-year-old Pearce has been a main stay on the U. S. National Team since 2005 earning 28 caps and recording one assist. Pearce’s seven appearances in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers were the most of any U.S. player in 2008.
Pearce attended the University of Portland where he was an All-West Coast Conference honorable mention selection. He also is an alumnus of the U.S. Soccer Residency Program in Bradenton, Fla. where he played for current FC Dallas assistant coach John Ellinger.
Another announcement that was not a surprise came from the front office. The club and forward/midfielder Alvaro “Tom” Sanchez have mutually agreed to end his contract with FC Dallas. Sanchez was signed by FC Dallas on April 3 and appeared in three games this season. He was working on 15 weeks of disability since a sprained ankle. He had already been moved to the injured reserve list, not to be available the rest of this season.
That move was made last week to make room for midfielder Daniel Hernandez. It appears Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman is clearing the way for more changes. Whether it will be enough in time for FCD to reach the playoffs is a big question. Dallas would have to win at least six of its last seven games, or perhaps five wins and two ties, after last week’s 2-2 tie with D.C. United.
Even if FCD doesn’t earn a playoff berth, the team is clearly adding pieces for a more successful season in 2010. Dallas is currently 6-11-6 for 24 points and seventh place in the eight-team Western Division.
Heath Pearce Professional Career:
2005 - 2007: FC Nordsjælland (Denmark)
2007 - 2009: Hansa Rostock (Germany)
Name: Heath Pearce
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 175
DOB: August 13, 1984
Birthplace: Modesto, California
Hometown: Modesto, California
Last Club: Hansa Rostock (Germany)
Nationality: United States
Status: Senior roster
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