Tragic Loss in Ecuadorian Football as Player Marco Angulo Passes Away

In a devastating turn of events, 22-year-old Marco Angulo, a player for both Ecuador and FC Cincinnati, has succumbed to injuries sustained in a tragic car accident that also claimed the life of his former youth team mate, Roberto Cabezas. The news was confirmed by the Ecuadorian Football Association on Tuesday.

Angulo was involved in a severe car crash on the Rumiñahui highway, situated to the southeast of Quito, on October 7. He was a passenger in a vehicle that collided with a metal barrier, resulting in the immediate deaths of the driver and Cabezas, who had played for Independiente Juniors.

Following the accident, Angulo suffered from critical head injuries and a lung contusion, which led to him being placed in an artificial coma. Unfortunately, he was unable to recover and passed away on Monday night, according to reports from local media.

Angulo had been competing on loan for the Ecuadorian league champions, L.D.U. Quito, from Major League Soccer’s FC Cincinnati. The Ecuadorian Football Association reflected on Angulo’s dedication, expressing that he “defended the colors of our country at every opportunity he had with his talent and dedication.” They described him not just as a talented player but also as a cherished teammate, leaving a profound sorrow among his peers and supporters.

A talented defensive midfielder, Angulo represented Ecuador at the Under-17 and Under-20 levels before making his debut for the senior national team in a friendly match against Iraq in November 2022. He also featured in another friendly match against Australia in March of the previous year, marking his rise in international football.