Colombian national team midfielder Leonel Alvarez has re-signed with the Dallas Burn, the team announced Jan. 9. “Signing Leonel is a major coup for our club, both on the field and for our fans,” said Burn GM Billy Hicks. “This is the culmination of many months of effort. We are elated to welcome Leonel back and I know soccer fans across Texas will be equally excited.” Alvarez was the Burn’s captain and team MVP during the 1996 inaugural MLS season. The Burn was 15-7 with the fiery Colombian in the lineup, and a mere 2-8 without him. He spent last season with Veracruz of the Mexican First Division. “I’m very happy to be back in Texas,” Alvarez said from the MLS offices in New York. “I enjoyed living in Dallas and I grew very fond of the Burn fans. Coach Dir has put together a talented team and I hope we can take it one step further this year and bring home a championship.”