Carlos Lizarazo is looking for a chance to prove himself and Oscar Pareja is eager to offer it.
The 24-year-old was one of the hottest players in Colombia after a two-year span in Colombia in 2013 & 2 with Deportivo Cali that saw him score some jaw-dropping goals in the Colombian league, Copa Libertadores and Copa Sudamericana. His success earned him a move to Cruz Azul of Liga MX, but circumstances prevented the Colombian from breaking through with the Mexican giants bringing him to FC Dallas where he's looking to get back on track.
"Carlos is a very talented player,” said FC Dallas head coach Oscar Pareja. “He will add something different to our team. He is a very technical, intelligent player. He is attacking-minded and he can play forward."
With FCD's riches in attacking talent already on the roster, Lizarazo will have plenty of time to adapt to his new team and re-gain full fitness. Pareja knows an immediate contribution might not happen, but when the summer fixture crunch along with international absences inevitably comes, it could present a great opportunity for the Colombian.
"“I am going to give him a time frame of two or three months to get him fit," said Pareja. "After that, he’ll need to face some competition [to get match fit]. He needs some games, some repetition, but I am glad to be the team that gives him this opportunity. He needs this chance and we were willing to bring a guy that we know will help us in the long run."
FC Dallas and Lizarazo are set to host Alianza FC on Saturday, February 20th at Toyota Stadium before wrapping up the preseason slate at OKC Energy FC on February 27th.