Midfielder Franchino Dismissed From Titan Soccer Team

Midfielder Joey Franchino, who has been one of Cal State Fullerton’s top men’s soccer players the last two seasons, has been been dismissed by Coach Al Mistri for a violation of team policies.

Mistri could not be reached for comment Friday.

Franchino was the Titans’ third-leading scorer last season with 15 points on five goals and five assists. He was a All-Mountain Pacific Soccer Federation selection after Fullerton’s 12-8 season.

The Titans failed to reach the NCAA playoffs in 1995 for the first time in three years.

Franchino, who played at La Verne Damien High, was chosen to Soccer America’s freshman All-American team in 1994, then was picked for the U.S. national under-21 team that competed in France. He also was picked third-team All-American by the National Soccer Coaches’ Assn.

Fullerton will play two exhibition games next week at Titan Stadium. The Titans will meet the Mexican under-20 national team Wednesday after a 6 p.m. match between UCLA and San Diego. Next Saturday the Titans play San Diego at 1 p.m., with UCLA meeting the Mexican team afterward.

In another Titan soccer development, midfielder Joe DiGiamarino was chosen to Soccer America’s all-freshman team.