Sounders FC designated player Alvaro Fernandez transitions from new country to fatherhood

TUKWILA — Nights seem remarkably shorter these days for Alvaro Fernandez. Such is the result of having an infant son in the house, but the sleepless Sounders FC designated player isn't complaining.

"You wake up a lot," Fernandez said through a translator, smiling, "but it's really the best thing that could happen to you."

The adjustment to Major League Soccer last year was similarly eye-opening for the 6-foot-1 midfielder, who had spent most of his life and career in South America. Fernandez came to Seattle in July after a successful run with the Uruguayan national team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, forced to adapt to a new country, a new team and a new culture.

Those professional challenges were exacerbated when he had to do it on his own. International paperwork issues initially prevented his wife, Veronica, from moving to the United States with their now 5-month-old son, Valentino.

"It was difficult to adjust ... especially having my family so far away," Fernandez said.

Fast forward a few months and the Fernandez family is finally settled and together again. Sounders FC coach Sigi Schmid expects that comfort and stability to carry over into a breakout season for the 25-year-old.

"His best game play is still in front of him," said Schmid. "His sharpness is still going to come. I think he's somebody that with the family being here now, being settled and familiar with the situation, learning more English, that's going to help him."

Fernandez had several standout moments last season for his new team, including a crucial away goal in El Salvador to clinch advancement in the CONCACAF Champions League. As the season went on, however, he wasn't as integrally involved as the title "designated player" might warrant.

As Sounders FC earned the league's best record over the second half of the season, Fernandez contributed mostly off the bench.

"I didn't feel like I was exactly at the level I know I can play," he said when asked to evaluate his performance last year.

This year Fernandez projects as the starting right-side midfielder for Seattle, and along with wanting to secure a place in the lineup, his personal goals also extend back home to Uruguay. The man, nicknamed "Flaco" for his slender build, hopes to play for his country's national team in the 2011 Copa America this July in Argentina.

"That really depends on my performance," Fernandez said, "and we'll see how that goes."

And with professional ambitions for both club and country — combined with those sleepless nights — it's shaping up to be another big and busy year.

NOTES

• Sounders FC lost to FC Dallas 2-0 in a training game Monday in Orlando, Fla., behind first-half goals by Marvin Chavez and Brek Shea. Seattle fell to 2-2-1 in preseason.

Dallas, which lost in the MLS Cup final last year, took the lead in the 21st minute when Chavez volleyed a shot past goalkeeper Terry Boss. Shea scored on an uncontested header in front of the goal in the 28th minute.

Sounders FC plays Houston in a training game at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

• A March 5 preseason match between Portland and Vancouver at the Cascadia Summit has been moved to 4 p.m. at the Starfire Sports Complex.

Joshua Mayers: 206-464-3184 or jmayers@seattletimes.com