Joe Franco Joins Miami FC for its Inaugural Season in the USL
Miami FC are preparing for its inaugural season in the USL as they make its latest signing in Joe Franco. The former Chivas USA and LA Galaxy II player joins Miami ahead of its inaugural season in the USL bringing extensive professional playing experience to the club including being crowned Western Conference Champions last year with Galaxy II.
Soccer News: Miami FC announced today that former LA Galaxy II defender Joe Franco will join the team’s backline for its inaugural season. The versatile player played a pivotal role in securing the United Soccer League (USL) Western Conference win last year for the LA Galaxy reserve team.
“Franco has all the qualities that I like to see in our defenders,” said Alessandro Nesta, Miami FC head coach. “He has great speed, good control, but more importantly, he’s got a good head on his shoulders both on and off the field. He’s an excellent signing for the team and we’re ready to see what he can do.”
The California native comes to Miami FC after an excellent collegiate career where he appeared in almost every game for the Cal State Northridge Division I team. Franco received numerous recognitions including Big West Defender of the Year in 2012 and Scholar All America 2013.
The 26-year-old defender signed on with Major League Soccer (MLS) team Chivas USA in 2013, but was unable to make any appearances due to an injury that benched him for the season. However, Franco made a comeback the following year and signed on with MLS reserve team/USL team LA Galaxy II. Over his two seasons with them, he totaled 44 appearances and became a regular starter the second half of his career with the team. In his last season with Galaxy he helped them take home the Western Conference Championship and was voted Galaxy’s player of the year.
Player announcements will continue to be released as the Miami FC gears up for the 2016 NASL season.
Check out some of Joe Franco’s highlights below.
Source/Photo Credit: Miami FC
