INDIANAPOLIS - IUPUI head men’s soccer coach Steve Franklin recently announced the signing of Javier Portillo (Guatemala City, Guatemala/South Kent [Conn.]) to a National Letter of Intent to join the Jaguars next season. He becomes Franklin’s ninth commitment for the 2008 campaign.

Portillo (pronounced poor - TEE - yo), a 5-foot-7, 145-pound midfielder, is a member of the Guatemala U20 National Team and played club soccer with Futeca Camp Elite. In 2007, he posted 15 goals and 13 assists in 20 games in his lone season at South Kent, a private boarding school.

"Javier is an exciting and technically gifted international player that should bring a creative flair to the wide midfield for us," Franklin said. "His playing in international matches as an active member of the Guatemalan U20 national team provides us with an immediate experienced, creative force for our quest to capture a Summit League Championship."

Portillo was named All-Western New England and was an All-New England prep school pick this past season. In addition, he was an All-Tournament Team selection at the Diadora/Cardinal Classic.

Prior to attending South Kent, Portillo attended Colegio Metropolitano in Guatemala City.