Fire acquires Guatemalan midfielder

The Chicago Fire has acquired midfielder Marco Pappa on an 18-month loan from Guatemalan side CSD Municipal.

Pappa (full name: Marco Pablo Pappa Ponce) received his Visa and international permits and is eligible for selection in tonight's international friendly match against Everton FC and Saturday's Major League Soccer match against Chivas USA. The 20-year-old has been training with the team since last week.

"We're getting a young player who has excellent speed, defends well, and has been around a great soccer atmosphere with a very successful club," said Chicago Fire technical director Frank Klopas.

A native of Guatemala City, Pappa has spent his entire professional career with CSD Municipal after joining them in 2004. CSD Municipal has won the domestic league a record 26 times, and its most recent title came during the 2008 Clausura Tournament.

Pappa has also represented Guatemala at the U17, U20, U21 and U23 levels. He recently suited up for Guatemala at the U23 level, helping the team to first place during the group stage of Olympic qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Guatemala missed securing an Olympic birth, finishing in third place at the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament.

The Marco Pappa file

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5-10

Weight: 155

Born: Nov. 15, 1987 in Guatemala City, Guatemala

Hometown: Guatemala City, Guatemala

Citizenship: Guatemala

Last Club: CSD Municipal

How acquired: Loaned from CSD Municipal

Roster status: Senior Roster/International Player