FC Tucson solidifies its defense ahead of the 2022 season with addition of right back Tyler Allen.
The club announced the signing of 23-year-old Allen, who previously played with Forward Madison FC.
“I’m really excited to be coming to Tucson this year,” said Allen. “I like what Coach Jon is trying to build, and I like the style of play and it’s something I think I’ll fit right into.”
Allen joins the club after playing 1,445 total minutes with Madison, grabbing 11 shots, 38 crosses, and a 78% passing accuracy.
The Honolulu, Hawaii, native started playing in his youth with local side Honolulu Bulls before playing collegiate soccer with the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Allen played four years with UNLV where he made 76 appearances, with two goals and six assists. Primarily played as a right back, Allen also has the ability to play as a winger.
“Tyler has always been a guy that I was tracking. We played against him at Madison and he was very good in those games,” said FC Tucson head coach Jon Pearlman. “He has great pace and great intensity. We really think he’s going to be a strong fit us being able to play at right back or as a right winger.
“He’s a guy with excellent athleticism, great intensity, a good tackler and a guy who wants to win.”
In the summers of 2018 and 2019, Allen played for FC Golden State Force in USL League Two. He also signed with Reno 1868 of the USL Championship in 2020, the last season before the club ceased operations.
During the offseason, Allen returned home to his native Hawaii.
“I got to go home back to Hawaii to visit family and friends which was really fun,” said Allen. “As well as enjoying the beach and everything else Hawaii has to offer.”
He is the 17th player on FC Tucson’s 2022 roster. He joins six returning starters from the 2021 playoff team, including defenders Kaelon Fox and Luca Mastrantonio, and four new additions to the team.