FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Last season didn't go as planned for New England Revolution midfielder Argenis Fernandez.
The Revolution signed Fernandez from Costa Rican side Santos in March after he impressed during the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Fernandez, 21, expected to compete for time in midfield once he arrived in April.
It didn't happen.
Fernandez, like many other foreign players, had troubles adjusting to the pace and power in MLS. After making just two MLS appearances and playing 61 minutes for the Revs, Fernandez slipped down the pecking order to the point where it was clear that he wasn't going to feature.
The Revs approached Fernandez and offered the possibility of heading back to Costa Rica on loan. By early July, the young Costa Rican was on his way to play for LD Alajuelense.
"We loaned him out last year because we felt he wasn't going to play," Revolution head coach Steve Nicol said. "He wasn't ready to play. The physical nature, coming from where he did, was probably a surprise to him. So we loaned him out and brought him back to see where he is."
As a young player, Fernandez needed first team action to develop his game. He found it with Alajuelense, which handed him starts in the CONCACAF Champions League and in Costa Rican league play.
"I got to play a lot of games," Fernandez said through a translator. "I thought I did the things that I needed to do well. I was able to start many games and the continuity is something that is very important for a soccer player."
Back in the United States, Nicol and the Revolution were monitoring Fernandez's progress. An untimely red card scuppered Nicol's plans to see Fernandez in person at the end of the Costa Rican season, but the Revs opted to bring him back to training camp to see if he could compete at the MLS level.
If Fernandez wants to make an impact in MLS, he will have to find a way to adapt to the league's physical style. Listed at 5-foot-6, 125 lbs., Fernandez simply doesn't have the stature to fight toe-to-toe with MLS centerbacks. It will take some time for him to adapt to the rigorous physical demands, Fernandez said.
"In the United States, it's more force and more of an aerial game," Fernandez said. "In Costa Rica, we play more on the ground. It's been a little bit of a challenge. I'm trying to get accustomed to that kind of style."
Nicol dismissed the notion that Fernandez's physical limitations will impact whether he makes it with the Revolution.
"At the end of the day, it's about ability on the ball," Nicol said. "Lionel Messi isn't much bigger than you or I, but nobody can get near him. It's not really all about [the size]. It's about first touch, when to move it, when to keep it and when to go at people. We'll see if that's changed any."
The circumstances may help Fernandez settle this season. After signing for New England on March 11, Fernandez didn't have the opportunity to go through preseason with the Revolution. A full preseason with the team will give Fernandez the chance to bed in with the team and stake his claim for playing time.
"Obviously, he has to have improved since we let him go last year," Nicol said. "That's why we let him go -- because he wasn't going to play. Now we're going to see what he's all about. We can't tell that indoors. It's unfair. Once we get outside, we'll see what he's got."
It won't be easy for Fernandez to seal his place on the roster. With only one international slot available and the Revs scouring Latin America for defensive help, Fernandez will have to distinguish himself quickly if New England signs multiple foreign players. Fighting with Steve Ralston and Mike Videira for playing time at attacking midfield won't be easy either.
Even with the challenges ahead, Fernandez said that he wants to stay with the Revs and make his mark in MLS.
"That's the goal," Fernandez said. "I want to stay here. I want to play in the games and be a part of this group."
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