Martina Franko Signs With Los Angeles Sol

CARSON, CA ­ –­ The Los Angeles Sol of Women’s Professional Soccer, who has opened the 2009 season with two consecutive victories, has signed defender Martina Franko to a contract. Per club and WPS policy, terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Franko, a Canadian National Team member who has earned 54 caps and scored 5 goals as a forward for the Maple Leafs, played at Colorado College and currently ranks second on the Tigers’ all-time scoring list with 107 career points. She also took the pitch for the Vancouver Whitecaps from 2001-2005 and played an integral role in helping them to two W-League Championships in 2003 and 2005.

“Martina is an experienced leader who will bring a veteran presence to our young and diverse team,” said Head Coach Abner Rogers. “Her understanding of what it takes to be successful on the pitch will be invaluable to the success of our season.”

Franko, who became a Canadian citizen through marriage, becomes the seventh international representative on the Sol roster, joining fellow Canadian National Team member and standout goalkeeper Karina LeBlanc, three-time defending FIFA World Player of the Year Marta from Brazil, Aya Miyama of Japan, Han Duan of China, Camille Abily of France and Johanna Frisk, from Sweden. The club also features U.S. Internationals Shannon Boxx, Stephanie Cox, Kendall Fletcher and Aly Wagner.

The Sol will host Formiga and FC Gold Pride at The Home Depot Center on Sunday, April 19th at 1:00 pm. For a complete season schedule, please visit the Los Angeles Sol website.