FRISCO — When a team holds Duilio Davino commemorative wig night, it certainly suggests something unique about the player.
Davino was honored Sunday as FC Dallas passed out free wigs to fans.Perhaps an orthopedic shoe might have been a better promotion.After missing eight matches due to a broken toe, Davino returned as a substitute in Sunday’s victory.The team’s captain and highest-paid player ($400,000) is expected to return to the starting lineup for tonight’s match against San Jose.The season began with Davino as the key central defender in a three-man back line. However, coach Schellas Hyndman installed a four-man system, of which he said, "definitely, it favors any defender to have another player there to help out."FC Dallas enjoyed convincing victories in the past two matches, a 4-1 win in Chicago and a 3-0 victory Sunday at home against D.C. United.Davino’s return comes with four matches remaining and a playoff race so close in the Western Conference that seeds might not be decided until the final game of the year.How did it feel to get back into the action finally on Sunday? It felt good. I know it takes a little bit of time to get back into the rhythm of the game after missing so many games, but overall it felt good.Does having four defenders in the back favor your game? Coach went to that because he thinks it’s best for the team. I think we have players who can play in that back four. I think the last few games we’ve done very well, and we need to continue along that path.As the captain, does it help you to lead more by being back in the lineup? I’ve always said that the captain’s armband doesn’t necessarily mean anyone is more or less of a leader. It’s always the personality of the players.How did you feel about being honored with the wig night? If that’s how my hair looks, then it looks pretty bad.Having a year in the league now, how can you improve upon things for next year? Well, the communication has gotten better; the confidence has gotten better, so obviously we’ll continue to improve."What does this team need to do in the last four games to be assured of reaching the playoffs? We need to think of it one game at a time. Every game is a final. We can’t leave any points on the table so that way we’re not watching the playoffs later on TV.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
