Marco Franco Selected 13th Overall in MLS SuperDraft
January 16, 2014 | Men's Soccer
IRVINE, Calif. --- Thursday's SuperDraft saw an Anteater selected the highest in the program's history when senior defender Marco Franco was taken by the Chicago Fire in the first round, 13th overall.
The 2013 Big West Defender of the Year played 76 matches as an Anteater good for ninth-most in program history and performed brilliantly in the MLS Combine earlier in the week to solidify his standing as the 'Eaters' first-ever first round draft pick.
"I'm speechless right now," Franco told Chicago-Fire.com "It was hard to believe – a dream come true. I've wanted to be drafted since I was little and the dream is happening now. I'm so excited and eager to get started. It's just a blessing to get drafted by a great organization like the Fire."
Franco also thanked UC Irvine and the coaching staff, and when asked what he is looking to do with the Fire, Franco responded, "I want to come in working hard and learn from the veteran players there. I want to thank the city of Chicago. I'm looking forward to getting there," Franco said embracing the selection.
"Marco is a very intelligent and skillful player. Being selected in the first round by the Chicago Fire is a tremendous accomplishment. He has earned this opportunity through his hard work and determination. Marco personifies the type of student-athlete that UC Irvine continues to help prepare for playing opportunities after college. We are extremely proud of Marco and wish him the best as he embarks on his career as a professional soccer player," UCI Head Coach Chris Volk added.
In addition, Franco was named a second team NSCAA All-American and first team All-West Region commandeering a back line that posted 10 shutouts and allowed a conference-low 77 shots on goal while starting all 23 matches and playing over 2,000 minutes.
Franco joins 11 other Anteaters to be drafted. He is the fourth to be taken in the SuperDraft, first since David Sias in 2009 who went 43rd overall, also by the Chicago Fire. The last six UC Irvine selections have been taken in the Supplemental Draft.
The SuperDraft continues on Tuesday, Jan. 21. Three other Anteaters, Enrique Cardenas, Tarek Morad, and Christopher Santana, have potential to be drafted.
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