KAMLOOPS – Marco Favaro is officially the third member of the 2022 U SPORTS National Championship winning Thompson Rivers WolfPack men's soccer team to ink a professional contract in Australia after announcing his signing with Glenorchy Knights FC.
 
"I'm really excited," said Favaro. "For me this opportunity is a lot about the experience as well, just to be overseas and also have a couple of my friends already there. On the field this will be a huge experience for me and I'm really lucky to have this opportunity. It's something that I've always wanted to do."
 
Favaro joins both Jackson Gardner and Daniel Sagno in Australia, with his two former – and soon to be new – teammates playing a big role in the product of Vancouver getting the chance to go pro.
 
"Those guys have been doing amazing down there and the coach has been vocal about that," said Favaro. "They lost a midfielder due to injury and since he's been so happy with the TRU guys he was open into looking at another, Daniel and Jackson recommended me, so I have to give them a lot of credit for that. I sent in some film and the coach liked me and that's kind of how it worked out."
 
Playing in the NPL Tasmania, the second level of professional soccer in the country, both Gardner and Sagno have played large roles in helping Glenorchy to a record of 7-0-2 and second place in the standings.
 
Favaro has been with TRU since 2019 after joining from Capilano University where he helped the Blues capture a Pacific Western Athletic Association title in 2018. He was key during his three seasons with the 'Pack, suiting up in 33 regular season games, scoring a goal in the national championship semifinal victory over No. 1 ranked Cape Breton and finishing his career third in program history with 10 Canada West assists.
 
"TRU was a huge stepping stone for me," said Favaro. "Coming to TRU from Capilano University it was a lot more serious, the coaching and competition level were both better."
 
The midfielder credits WolfPack head coach John Antulov with playing a huge role in his development on and off the field.
 
"John has been a huge support for me," said Favaro. "I give him a lot of credit because we are also in the middle of our Rivers FC season right now too and he's been someone that has really motivated me and pushed me towards making a decision like this. He's definitely somebody that I appreciated his input and I took his advice because I trust him as a coach and as a person."

Alongside Favaro, Gardner and Sagno, U SPORTS Championship Tournament MVP signed with Atletico Ottawa of the CPL earlier this year.