Marco Angulo left us before his time. Just 22 years old, he lost his life in a car accident in Ecuador, where he was on loan from FC Cincinnati to LDU Quito. For many, Angulo represented that rare mix of South American grit and the growing strategic prowess of American soccer. But in an instant, all of it was taken away.
Angulo had moved from FC Cincinnati in 2024, hoping to get more time on the field, and LDU, one of Ecuador’s top teams, gave him that shot. With a loan deal set to bring him back by the end of the year, he was excited to make strides and reach new heights. His enthusiasm was everywhere, social media, interviews, and every move on the field that drew cheers from fans.
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He joined FC Cincinnati in January 2023 from Ecuador’s Independiente del Valle, a powerhouse in talent development. This wasn’t just any signing; the transfer fee was a hefty $3 million, big money by MLS standards and a sign that the club had huge plans for him. In his debut against Orlando City, he came on in the 92nd minute. It was brief, but it was enough to hint at his skill.
The tragedy of Angulo’s passing hits hard, reminding us of what really matters. Marco wasn’t just a skilled player; he was a son, a friend, and an idol in the making. His death isn’t just a footnote. In a heartbreaking way, he’s shown us how vulnerable we all are.
Angulo had all the potential to become a standout in MLS, maybe even a staple for Ecuador’s national team, where he was just beginning to catch attention. He could have been the player who brought Ecuador’s name not just to South American tournaments but to American stadiums, where soccer’s popularity is on the rise.
Both FC Cincinnati and LDU released official statements of condolence, but words feel hollow against such raw pain. The silence of his absence will echo for a long time, not just among those lucky enough to watch him play, but also among those who believed he’d be Ecuador’s next big star. His last trick, sadly, was life’s cruel twist. Angulo won’t be on the field anymore, but his spirit and fight will live on as part of his legacy. Rest in peace, Marco!