Joe Franco

What Scouts Say: "Solid right back ... He's got good speed and good 1-v-1 defender ... Gets into the attack. Wasn't flying all the time ... Injury (torn ACL in final match of season and recovering) prevented him from playing in the NCAAs ... Good speed and quickness, good 1-v-1 and he can connect his passes ... Not a physical specimen and doesn't have the athleticism ... All you want in a right back ... 1-v-1 he's OK. Steady ... Has a good work ethic and carries himself like professional ... Great timing out of the back as to when to attack ... Serves ball well from deep ... His quality is calm and composure. Doesn't get flustered and plays at his pace ... Can pick up a ball and carry it and can pass it ... Makes good choices on ball but not as athletic overall ... Good athlete, not great."

College: Spent all four years at Cal State Northridge (2009-2012) after redshirting the 2008 season ... Appeared in all 20 games in the 2009 season, the only rookie on the team to do so. Scored one goal ... Played all 19 games in the 2010 season and served as a team captain. Tallied one assist ... Started all 19 matches at right back and was named a co-captain for 2011. Finished season with three assists and was named All-Big West Honorable Mention ... Played 21 games for the Matadors in 2012, all but one. Scored one goal and one assist. Named Big West Defender of the Year, All-Big West First Team and NSCAA All-Far West Region Second Team. Ranked #58 in the nation among upperclassmen in TopDrawerSoccer.com's Dec. 17, 2012 ranking.

Prep: Graduated St. Francis High School, where he was a two-year starter. He was a member of 2007 squad that finished season 25-2-1 and was named to 2007 All-CIF Second Team.

Links:

CSU Northridge: Official player page

TopDrawerSoccer.com: Player page

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