There can't be many footballers who can say they turned down a contract with the Colorado Rapids in favour of football in the North-East, but Adolfo Gregorio has and after taking such a bold decision he's eager to make the move pay off.

After studying for a sociology degree and playing university football, which is at a high standard in the USA, a place on the team roster playing soccer for the Rapids awaited.

But the 22-year-old bravely turned it down and headed across the Atlantic in search of a club here.

Trials at Bristol City and Wigan followed and Barnsley were keen, but weren't in a position to sign him.

The Tykes' loss was Quakers' gain and his first two starts were at not-so-glamorous Macclesfield followed by Mansfield three days later.

The Rapids, incidentially, play their Major League Soccer away games in the likes of Los Angeles, Dallas and Washington.

Despite the culture shock the right-sided midfielder, a USA youth international, has begun his English adventure by impressing in each of his four games.

On Saturday Gregorio caught the eye and it was from his pin-point cross that Alun Armstrong scored his first goal.

Speaking with a distinctive laid-back Californian drawl that contrasts heavily with the rest of the squad, Gregorio admits he has big ambitions.

He has already represented his country in the under-17s World Youth Championships. He's since played for the U20s and U23s so now Gregorio eyes a place in the full USA national team

He said: "I'd like to make that step up to play for my country.

"Maybe by coming over here I can make a name for myself, get myself noticed and then get called up for USA.

"Playing with the likes of Craig Hignett can only help me. Players like that with lots of experience are great to work with and they make it easier to play.

"I feel I'm still getting used to the team and I like the ball at my feet so that I can run at players. Hopefully I'll eventually be able to do more of that."

As his parents are both Portuguse, Gregorio holds an EU passport so didn't require a work permit and has slotted straight into the squad.

He said: "Even though the team makes fun of me because of my accent they're a great group of guys! They've really made me feel part of the team, which is great.

"I want to do as well as I can here. Hopefully I can impress for Darlington and move up the leagues.

"England is where everyone wants to play, football is the most important thing here. Football is the number one sport, it's like a religion here!"

Although Gregorio is the first American to start a game for Quakers, he's only one of several foreigners to have made their Darlington debut since manager David Hodgson came to the club and he could soon be joined by Canadian defender Tyler Hughes.

The centre half is on trial and Hodgson expects him to sign.

After appearing for the reserves, Darlington have given a short-term contract to former Charlton Athletic youngster, Adrian Webster. The midfielder has signed a one-month deal.

* Preston North End keeper Andy Longergan, who had a loan spell with Darlington in December 2002, scored on Saturday with a powerful kick that bounced over the head of Leicester City keeper, Kevin Pressman.

Read more about the Quakers here.