CHICAGO, Ill. (August 30, 2012) – The Chicago Fire Soccer Club announced today that it has agreed to terms to transfer Marco Pappa to SC Heerenveen. Pappa will join the Dutch Eredivisie side immediately. The club announced Aug. 13 that Pappa would join the Dutch club at the conclusion of the Chicago Fire's 2012 MLS season. Per MLS and club policy, terms of the transfer were not disclosed.

Papa Reacts to Transfer



“This was a very difficult decision to make, however, we feel it is the best move for the club and the player at this time," said Fire President of Soccer Operations Javier Leon. "This transfer provides the club with flexibility under the salary cap and made sense as we look toward the future. Marco came into his own as a member of the Fire, he has been a big part of the club and we wish him the best in this next phase of his career."

The 24-year-old midfielder joined the Fire on loan from CSD Municipal on July 30, 2008 and was signed on Dec. 3, 2009. The Guatemala City, Guatemala product started 101 of the 112 MLS Regular Season games in which he appeared for the Men in Red, scoring 26 goals and adding 16 assists. Pappa is currently tied for fourth on the club's all-time goal scoring chart.

Pappa's play with the Men in Red led to his international debut with Guatemala in a 1-0 loss to the United States in a 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifier on Aug. 20, 2008. Pappa has since earned 29 international caps for Guatemala.

Name: Marco Pappa

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 155 lbs.

Date of Birth: November 15, 1987

Place of Birth: Guatemala City, Guatemala

Hometown: Guatemala City, Guatemala

Citizenship: Guatemala

Departed: Transferred to SC Heerenveen (NED) on Aug. 30, 2012