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USL1 FC Tucson

'I'm Home Tucson, Let's Run It Back': Donny Toia Returns to Play for His Hometown Club

June 16, 2022 - United Soccer League One (USL1)
FC Tucson News Release


TUCSON, Ariz. - Donny Toia scored the first goal in FC Tucson history. He's played at the highest level of U.S. club soccer. And he's returning to help bring a USL League One championship to his hometown.

FC Tucson announced Thursday one of its biggest signings in club history with the return of the Tucson legend and Major League Soccer veteran.

"Tucson is a big family, with everyone coming together to support each other," Toia said. "I'm ready to play and I look forward to giving 100% on the pitch for the coaching staff, the players and most importantly the community."

The club announced Toia's return at Pueblo Vida Brewing Company, the club's Official Supporter's Section Sponsor.

Toia graduated from Canyon del Oro High School after leading the Dorados to a pair of state championships. He played six years for Tucson Soccer Academy and current FC Tucson head coach Jon Pearlman, and was a standout at Pima Community College.

"There was an opportunity for him to play and give back to his home club and contribute to the team," said Pearlman. "I'm excited to have him and he's very excited to be playing here and playing with me again."

Toia was on the inaugural FC Tucson team in 2012 when he scored the team's first goal in a 2-1 loss to Fresno Fuego FC on May 5. He also etched his name in club lore with the lone goal in the team's first home game on May 19 in a 1-0 win over Southern California Seahorses at Kino North Grandstand.

Toia led FC Tucson with six goals in the PDL (now USL League Two) and was the catalyst for an 11-match unbeaten run in all matches.

"He has a large skillset. He can score goals, defend and play multiple positions," Pearlman said. "He embodies that Tucson spirit and love for the community and logo. He's always had that lead-by-example quality that's key for the rest of the team."

Following his year in Tucson, he went on to play with Phoenix FC in the USL Pro. He was named the league's Rookie of the Year in 2013.

Toia was the first Homegrown Player signed by Real Salt Lake in 2011, and went on to play for Chivas USA, Montréal Impact and Orlando City, before returning to RSL in 2019-21. He played in 172 games - making 158 starts - and more than 14,000 minutes.

Notably, he played for Montréal on the 2015 team that reached the CONCACAF Champions League finals before falling to Mexico's Club America. He was also selected first overall in the 2016 MLS Expansion Draft by Atlanta United FC, after which he was promptly traded to Orlando City for the eighth overall pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.

The deal is pending league and federation approval.

Check out the FC Tucson Statistics



United Soccer League One Stories from June 16, 2022


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