Bridgeview, IL – The Chicago Fire have signed Jamaican international defender Shaun Francis, the club announced on Wednesday.
Francis will head to Toyota Park from the USL-PRO's Charlotte Eagles following receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa.
"Shaun is a player that we've had our eye on for some time," said Chicago Fire president of soccer operations Javier Leon. "He is a strong, powerful defender with experience in MLS and will provide additional depth along our backline."
The 26-year-old joins the Fire after starting the 2013 season with Charlotte Eagles. He signed with the USL-PRO side on March 27, 2013 and has scored three goals and added two assists in 12 matches.
The defender was selected in the fourth round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by the Columbus Crew after a standout collegiate career at Lindsey Wilson.
In three years with the Blue Raiders, Francis made 61 appearances while scoring seven goals and adding nine assists, captaining the team to the 2009 NAIA National Championship.
Francis earned his first cap for Jamaica in a friendly against Trinidad & Tobago on Oct. 10, 2010 and scored his first international goal against Guadeloupe on Nov. 29, 2010.
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