Impact add depth at left back; acquire veteran Francis from Earthquakes

TThe Canadian Press

he Montreal Impact added depth at left back with the acquisition of Shaun Francis from the San Jose Earthquakes on Thursday.

The Impact will send either a second round pick in the 2018 Superdraft or $50,000 in general allocation money to be paid in January 2018 to the Earthquakes, depending on performance factors that neither team made public.

Montreal has been seeking help on the left side since starter Ambroise Oyongo blew out a knee last month while playing an international match for Cameroon. Daniel Lovitz took over the position but the club had no other natural left fullback on its roster.

Francis, 30, is in his eighth Major League Soccer season. He is currently with the Jamaican national side at the Gold Cup tournament in the United States.

“He gives us an additional option in the squad at left back,” Impact technical director Adam Braz said in a release. “He has experience in MLS as well as at the international level, and does not take an international roster spot.”

The six-foot Francis has played 98 career games, including 81 starts,with Columbus, Chicago and San Jose. He has started and played eight matches this season.

“We would like to thank Shaun for all of his contributions here in San Jose,” said Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli. “He was a consummate professional and we wish him the best of luck in Montreal.”