2017 MLS Expansion Draft 3rd Pick: Marco Ureña, forward from San Jose Earthquakes
Ureña is a very attack-minded player that should be an important element in binding San Jose's midfield and attack in 2017. He has great technique and can make many key passes while covering a lot of ground.
INTERNATIONAL: Ureña has represented Costa Rica at the U-17, U-20 and senior team levels. Since making his senior team debut at 19 years old in 2009, he has tallied 10 goals and three assists in 45 appearances as of Jan. 27, 2017. He also played in four of the team's five matches at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and scored one minute into his appearance off the bench in a 3-1 win over Uruguay. He played a critical role in the team reaching the quarterfinals of the prestigious tournament, before falling to the Netherlands in penalty kicks.
OUTSIDE MLS: Ureña comes to San Jose after six months with Brondby IF of the top-flight Danish Alka Superligaen, where he appeared in 16 matches, including a pair of Europa League qualifiers. Ureña began his career with LD Alajuelense of the Costa Rican's first division at just 17 years old. During his four years with the team, he tallied nine goals and two assists and helped lead his club to the league championship in both the winter and summer sessions of the 2010-11 season. The San Jose, Costa Rica native then moved to Russian side Kuban Krasnodar just days before his 21st birthday. He tallied two assists in 36 appearances for the club, before joining FC Midtjylland of Denmark on loan in August of 2014. Ureña then agreed to move permanently to the club upon the expiration of his loan in December of 2014. With FC Midtjylland, he tallied six goals and six assists in 38 appearances.
