NASL Indy Eleven

Indy Eleven Acquires Defender Marco Franco on Loan from Chicago Fire

Published on September 12, 2014 under North American Soccer League (NASL)
Indy Eleven News Release


INDIANAPOLIS (Friday, September 12, 2014) - Indy Eleven Professional Soccer continued to bolster its back line today with the addition of defender Marco Franco, who comes to Indiana's Team on a loan deal from Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire. Per club policy, details of the agreement will not be released.

"Marco developed quite a reputation for himself during his time at UC-Irvine and as a high draft pick with Chicago, so we knew quite a bit about him before bringing him in," said Juergen Sommer, Indy Eleven Head Coach and Director of Soccer Operations. "He'll certainly add to our depth defensively, where we're starting to see some injuries add up. I think he'll come in and be a great asset right away with his versatility, pace and tidiness on the ball."

The 22-year-old Franco has arrived in Indianapolis and will be available for selection on Saturday night when Indy Eleven welcomes FC Edmonton to IUPUI's Michael A. Carroll Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff. A limited number of tickets remain available for the match - which will include the team's Nuestra Noche con Los Eleven / Hispanic Heritage Night and Crew Brew Night celebrations - and can be purchased at IndyEleven.com .

"This is a great opportunity for me, and I want to come in and make an immediate contribution here with Indy Eleven," said Franco. "I'm looking forward to fighting for playing time and getting some professional experience, and most of all helping the club get three points every time out."

Franco becomes the second player from the Fire to join Indy Eleven on loan this summer, today's agreement coming on the heels of the mid-June deal that brought midfielder Victor Pineda into the ranks of the Eleven. In an attempt to get the Chino Hills, Calif., native some game action, the Fire sent the Franco on loan to Orange County Blues FC of the USL PRO League in early August. The former UC-Irvine product made four appearances (one start) at his old home field of Anteater Stadium during the stint with the Blues, totaling 179 minutes of action during the final month of their recently-concluded regular season.

"We're thrilled to add a player of Marco's quality and potential to the roster this late into the season," said Peter Wilt, Indy Eleven President/General Manager. "We appreciate the willingness of Brian Bliss, Frank Yallop and the Chicago Fire to provide this opportunity for Marco and Indy Eleven."

Franco, was drafted by the Fire with the 13^th pick of the first round in January's MLS SuperDraft, but has yet to make a first-team appearance for the "Men in Red" during his rookie season. While at UC-Irvine, Franco appeared in 76 matches and tallied ten assists. Franco capped off his collegiate career by leading a back line that posted 10 shutouts and allowed a Big West low of 77 shots on goal, garnering 2013 Big West Defender of the Year and First Team All-Big West honors.

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North American Soccer League Stories from September 12, 2014


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