FC Tucson announced today the signing of forward Tobenna (Toby) Uzo.
The 26-year-old from Lagos, Nigeria, won the USL Championship 'Goal of the Year' in back-to-back seasons playing for FC Tulsa. Most recently, he was playing for FC Arizona in the National Premier Soccer League, where he had eight goals in eight games this year.
The 6-foot-4 Uzo will be eligible to be included in lineup for Saturday's USL League One matchup against Fort Lauderdale (7 p.m., Kino North Field, ESPN+), although the roster for the match has not been determined.
FC Tucson announced today the signing of forward Tobenna (Toby) Uzo.
The 26-year-old from Lagos, Nigeria, won the USL Championship ‘Goal of the Year’ in back-to-back seasons playing for FC Tulsa. Most recently, he was playing for FC Arizona in the National Premier Soccer League, where he had eight goals in eight games this year.
The 6-foot-4 Uzo will be eligible to be included in lineup for Saturday’s USL League One matchup against Fort Lauderdale (7 p.m., Kino North Field, ESPN+), although the roster for the match has not been determined.
Uzo was drafted by Orlando City SC in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, but did not sign. He started with Myrtle Beach Mutiny of the NPSL in 2016, scoring 17 goals in 24 games. Uzo joined the Colorado Springs Switchbacks of the USL Championship in 2017. He then played with Tulsa in 2019-20, and has eight goals over his time in USL Championship.
He credited his older brother Uchenna, whom he played with at FC Arizona and is now a youth club coach, with connecting him with Pearlman.
"The football is amazing watching them play," said Toby Uzo of FC Tucson, "and it happened to be my brother knew somebody at the right place at the right time."
"I'm very excited for Toby to sign with FC Tucson," said FC Arizona owner Jamie Landreman. "FC Tucson is lucky to have a player that is a proven leader on the field and commands a physical presence. Toby has shown such special talent since he came to FC Arizona, we knew he would be picked up quickly by a higher league, again. We wish Toby every success on his new journey."
Uzo was drafted by Orlando City SC in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, but did not sign. He started with Myrtle Beach Mutiny of the NPSL in 2016, scoring 17 goals in 24 games. Uzo joined the Colorado Springs Switchbacks of the USL Championship in 2017. He then played with Tulsa in 2019-20, and has eight goals over his time in USL Championship.
He credited his older brother Uchenna, whom he played with at FC Arizona and is now a youth club coach, with connecting him with Pearlman.
“The football is amazing watching them play,” said Toby Uzo of FC Tucson, “and it happened to be my brother knew somebody at the right place at the right time.”
“I’m very excited for Toby to sign with FC Tucson,” said FC Arizona owner Jamie Landreman. “FC Tucson is lucky to have a player that is a proven leader on the field and commands a physical presence. Toby has shown such special talent since he came to FC Arizona, we knew he would be picked up quickly by a higher league, again. We wish Toby every success on his new journey.”
"Tony brings USL championship experience and goal scoring experience," said Jon Pearlman, FC Tucson vice president of soccer operations and interim head coach. "Toby brings a physical presence – he's very good on dead ball situations, but he also opens up spaces for other players, and really gives us a target nine and a different look than we've had."
"Most importantly, this is a guy of outstanding character and really is a team first guy," said Pearlman, "and that's really what we're looking to continue to build on."
Uzo said that's a role he embraces.
"That's what I'm known for," said Uzo of his physical presence in the box. "That and uplifting the people that are playing around me – my teammates. Both on the field and off the field. Whether I'm getting one minute on the field or on the bench or in the stands, I'm all for the team-first mentality."
“Tony brings USL championship experience and goal scoring experience,” said Jon Pearlman, FC Tucson vice president of soccer operations and interim head coach. “Toby brings a physical presence – he’s very good on dead ball situations, but he also opens up spaces for other players, and really gives us a target nine and a different look than we’ve had.”
“Most importantly, this is a guy of outstanding character and really is a team first guy,” said Pearlman, “and that’s really what we’re looking to continue to build on.”
Uzo said that’s a role he embraces.
“That’s what I’m known for,” said Uzo of his physical presence in the box. “That and uplifting the people that are playing around me – my teammates. Both on the field and off the field. Whether I’m getting one minute on the field or on the bench or in the stands, I’m all for the team-first mentality.”
