Miami FC Bolsters Back Line With Joe Franco Signing

Miami FC announced Tuesday that former LA Galaxy II defender Joe Franco will join the team’s back line 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,” Miami FC coach Alessandro Nesta said. “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 Cal State Northridge. Franco was named  Big West Defender of the Year in 2012 and a 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. Franco made a comeback the following year and signed on with 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 time with the team. In his last season with Galaxy II,  he helped them take home the Western Conference Championship and was voted Galaxy II’s Player of the Year.