Aubrey David has been in Texas for only about 30 days or so, but what a month it's been for the FC Dallas defender.
David, 25, joined FCD on loan from CD Saprissa of the Costa Rican first division on July 4 as the MLS summer transfer window opened. A regular with the Trinidad and Tobago national team, David made his MLS debut July 13 at Seattle, when he faced off against T&T teammate Joevin Jones.
David also started on July 16 against Chicago and in FCD's 1-0 win at Houston last Wednesday in the quarterfinals of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. With his 6-2 frame, his strength in the air and a bite in his game, David has been a welcome addition to an undermanned Dallas back line. Stalwart defender Zach Loyd, FCD's longest-tenured player, remains sidelined with concussion symptoms.
"I think what has contributed to make it easy is the guys," David said. "The guys welcomed me when I came, and then I had a week to train with them before I could get my pass [to play], so I got accustomed to their styles very quickly."
At Seattle, David started at left back but shifted to center back four minutes in when Maynor Figueroa was ejected for what was ruled a deliberate hand ball. David, who can also play right back, then started at center back against Chicago and at Houston in the Open Cup.
FCD defender/midfielder Ryan Hollingshead started alongside David against the Fire and continues to be impressed with what a quick study David has been.
"He's done well," Hollingshead said. "It's hard to move, come to a new area, a new team and just start jelling right away, and I feel like he has been doing that. Him having to jump in there fast is not an easy task, but he's been doing well."