TUCSON, Ariz. (April 15, 2021) — FC Tucson announced today that the club has signed former Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC defender Noah Franke, pending league and federation approval.
“Signing a player of Noah’s experience shows the ambition of this club,” said Head Coach John Galas. “He is a quality player, fits the profile we look for in our outside backs, and more importantly, he is a tremendous leader and person.”
Franke began his professional career after signing with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in 2018. The 26-year-old made 25 appearances for the club through the 2018 and 2019 seasons, starting 13 of those games and playing a total of 1204 minutes. The versatile midfielder and defender was drafted with the No. 80 overall pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas, however, did not appear for the club.
“After a long year, I am really excited to sign here in Tucson,” said Noah Franke. “ I am looking forward to meeting the fans and I am ready to compete to help bring the club some silverware in 2021.”
Franke played collegiately for Creighton University from 2014 to 2017, scoring four goals and adding 10 assists in his 71 appearances for the NCAA Division I side. During the offseason of collegiate soccer play, Franke played for the Orlando City U-23s during the 2014-2015 season where he made 21 appearances. The Orlando, Florida native began his Orlando City SC career with the academy in 2013, starting in all 33 matches for the U-18s.
Following his collegiate career, Franke joined the Tampa Bay Rowdies U-23 side in 2017. Franke made 9 appearances during the 2017 season, landing a spot in the USL League Two “50 Players to Watch” list before making the move to the Riverhounds.
Franke is the second former Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC player to join FC Tucson for the 2021 USL League One season, joining defender Dakota Barnathan. The addition of Franke sets the FC Tucson roster at 21 players signed.
Noah Franke
Country: United States
Born: March 25, 1995 (26)
Position: Defender (right back)
Height: 5 ft 8
Weight: 141 lbs
Previous Club: Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC
FC Tucson will begin its third season in USL League One with an away match against South Georgia Tormenta FC on Saturday, May 1 before returning to Kino North Stadium on Saturday, May 8 for the club’s Home Opener. Fans can secure their season ticket membership by visiting https://sportsengine-staging.go-vip.net/fctucson/tickets.
