Fire acquire midfielder on loan from CSD Municipal

Story courtesy Chicago Fire Communications

BRIDGEVIEW, ILL. (July 30, 2008) – The Chicago Fire announced today the club has acquired the services of midfielder Marco Pappa (full name: Marco Pablo Pappa Ponce) on a one and a half year loan from Guatemalan side CSD Municipal.

Pappa received his P1 Visa and ITC, and is eligible for selection in tonight’s international friendly match versus Everton FC and Saturday’s Major League Soccer match versus Chivas USA. The 20-year-old has been training with the team since last week.

“We’re getting a young player who has excellent speed, defends well, and has been around a great soccer atmosphere with a very successful club,” said Chicago Fire technical director Frank Klopas.

A native of Guatemala City, Pappa has spent his entire professional career with CSD Municipal joining them in 2004. CSD Municipal has won the domestic league a record 26 times; their most recent title came during the 2008 Clausura (spring) Tournament. Pappa made his professional debut in a domestic league match in August 2006 against Guatemalan club Pepata. Pappa netted his first professional goal against Nicaraguan side, Real Madriz during the 2006 UNCAF tournament.

Pappa has also represented Guatemala at the U17, U20, U21 and U23 levels. He recently suited up for Guatemala at the U23 level, helping them to first place during the group stage of Olympic qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Guatemala missed securing an Olympic birth, finishing in third place at the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament.

16 Marco Pappa
Position:		Midfielder
Height:     		5’10
Weight:      	155
Born:         	November 15, 1987 in Guatemala City, Guatemala
Hometown:      	Guatemala City, Guatemala
Citizenship:  	Guatemala
Last Club:    	CSD Municipal
How Acquired:  	Loaned from CSD Municipal
Roster Status: 	Senior Roster/International Player