MLS has signed Guatemalan national team star Martin Machon, deputy commissioner Sunil Gulati announced today.
Machon, a defender/midfielder who has earned 22 caps for his country, will be assigned to an MLS team within the next two weeks.
“With the success of players such as Marco Etcheverry, Jorge Campos, and Raul Diaz Arce last season, Latin Americahas produced many outstandings players for Major League Soccer,” said Gulati. “We believe Martin Machon can be an impact player in MLS.”
Machon, 23, is known for his technical ability and quickness, but he heightened interest among MLS teams with his performance in World Cup qualifying match against the U.S. in November, when he forced American keeper Kasey Keller to make two excellent saves.
“I have waited all my life to play international soccer in a league such as MLS,” Machon said via telephone from Guatemala City. “(Guatemala and San Jose Clash star) Jorge Rodas had very good things to say about the league…. I saw some MLS games last season and was very impressed by the level of talent in the league. The mix of (U.S.) national team and foreign players is a good combination. I feel I can give something to the league and also learn a lot.”