Union’s Marco Fabián wants to help lift MLS to global prominence

Union midfielder Marco Fabián’s career has been one challenge after another. The 30-year-old MLS rookie from Mexico’s current quest is to help raise the league’s profile.

“Each day MLS is growing and it’s getting to be on the same level as the Mexican League,” Fabián said. “I came to help and elevate soccer to prove that it is at the same level as all the other sports in the United States, and all the other soccer leagues outside of the U.S.”

He has helped elevate the Union to first place in the Eastern Conference, and scored twice last Sunday in the team’s 5-1 road win over D.C. United. They return to action Sunday at home against the Houston Dynamo.

“When the opportunity to come to MLS came up, I knew that I had to prove that I could be here and that I wanted to be here,” Fabián said. “I came to a team that has welcomed me very well. I came to bring joy to the fans of this city and elevate soccer here.”

Throughout his career, Fabián has wanted to experience different soccer leagues, both domestic and international, and has represented his homeland as a member of the Mexican national team.

Fabián began his professional career with his hometown team, Chivas Guadalajara. He played on loan for Cruz Azul, another team in Liga MX, before returning home.

He then played in Germany for Eintracht Frankfurt before landing in MLS with the Union in February.

“I went to go look for another challenge in Germany for almost four years, and I think I did a good job,” Fabián said. “I think I left my mark as a Mexican over there, obtaining a cup [the 2018 German Cup] and playing in a lot of matches.”

According to Fabián, there are some fundamental differences between MLS and Liga MX.

“In Mexico, they try to play more with the ball and are a little more technical,” Fabián said. “Here there is a larger emphasis on intensity. Being able to run and have more shots on goal. I think those are the differences.”

Fabián spent part of his summer with the Mexican national team for the Gold Cup. Due to an injury, Fabián was unable to play in the tournament in the same role he wanted to but was said he was thankful for the opportunity to still represent his nation.

As he spends more time with the Union and playing against other opponents in MLS, Fabián sees the bright future the league has.

“Each day MLS is growing and it’s getting to be on the same level as the Mexican League,” Fabián said. “I came to help and elevate soccer to prove that it is at the same level as all the other sports in the United States, and all the other soccer leagues outside of the U.S.”