After a brief stint in USL PRO, defender Shaun Francis is back in MLS, joining the Chicago Fire after a standout three months with the Charlotte Eagles.
The Fire announced Wednesday that the club has signed the Jamaican defender and that he would be added to the club’s roster pending receipt of his P1 Visa. Per Major League Soccer and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Shaun is a player that we’ve had our eye on for some time,” Chicago Fire president of soccer operations Javier Leon said in a written statement. “He is a strong, powerful defender with experience in MLS and will provide additional depth along our backline.”
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Francis signed with the Charlotte on March 27, and scored three goals and added two assists in 12 matches. He previously played for the Columbus Crew from 2010-12, making 28 regular-season appearances (21 starts) and dishing out four assists. He also regularly featured in US Open Cup and CONCACAF Champions League play.
He also arrives in Chicago boasting international experience, earning his first cap for the Reggae Boyz in a friendly against Trinidad & Tobago in Oct. 2010 and scoring his first and only international goal against Guadeloupe in Nov. 2010. Since his debut, Francis has accumulated five caps.
