A pair of international players, Zimbabwe striker Vitalis Takawira and Uruguayan Washington Rodriguez, head the list of ten new player signings announced by MLS deputy commissioner Sunil Gulati Dec. 28

Takawira, nicknamed “Digital” for the precision of his dribbiling, has spent six years with Dynamos FC of Harare, and led the Zimbabwe First Division in scoring each of the past three seasons. He captured the Golden Boot award as Africa’s top scorer in 1994, and has tallied 12 goals in just 26 international appearances, including a hat trick in a 4-1 victory over Cameroon last January.

“Coming to America has been a goal of mine, and I am honored to join the ranks of the top American, European, South American, and African players signed by MLS so far,” said Takawira. “It is a big step to leave my home country, but I am ready and excited to test my abilities in America.”

Rodriguez, a 25-year-old midfielder, has played for Liverpool F.C. of Montevideo since 1989, and was recently named Most Valuable Player of the Uruguayan First Division. Nicknamed “Secco,” he has played for Uruguay’s U-20 and U-23 national teams.

“This is the best time of my life, both on and off the field,” said Rodriguez. “I’m getting married in January, and the opportunity to play in the United States is a great honor.”

MLS has also signed Martin Vasquez, an eight year veteran of the Mexican First Division who starred at Cal-State Los Angeles in the early 1980s. He has played with four clubs in Mexico, most recently Atlas.

In addition, seven more American players have signed with MLS. They are:
Tommy Clark, who has played professionally in Zimbabwe and New Zealand, Troy Dayak, a member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic team, Eric Eichmann, a 1988 U.S. Olympic Team and 1990 World Cup Team member, Kevin Grimes, a former SMU all-America, Mark Semioli, the 1995 USISL Western Division Defender of the Year, Jorge Salcedo, who played for UCLA’s 1990 NCAA champions, and Tayt Ianni, also a member of the 1990 Bruins.

MLS now has 115 players under contract; each of the 10 MLS teams will have an 18 player roster.