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USL FC Tulsa

Watz Leazard, Rising Star of Haitian U-20 National Team, Inks Deal with FC Tulsa

January 5, 2023 - United Soccer League Championship (USL)
FC Tulsa News Release


TULSA - Another U-20 World Cup Qualifying standout has inked a professional deal with FC Tulsa. 18-year-old Haitian forward Watz Leazard will be the fifth forward to join the Tulsa front in 2023, pending league and federation approval.

Leazard popped onto the radar for pro clubs across the world this past summer with his attention-demanding performance in the U-20 CONCACAF Championship, a tournament serving as U-20 World Cup Qualifying for the federation's youth squads. In four caps during the competition, Leazard bagged a goal and two assists over 344 minutes played.

"International tournaments provide an opportunity to see young players breaking through the scene, and Watz is one of those guys," said FC Tulsa head coach Blair Gavin. "He's got incredible size, soft feet for a winger, and has an incredible ability on the ball to break down defenders that isn't ordinary for other guys."

On August 27, 2022, Leazard clashed with his new FC Tulsa colleague Christopher Pearson as Haiti and Jamaica faced off in the U-20 CONCACAF Championship's Round of 16, a match ultimately ending in a 2-1 victory for Pearson and co.

"I'm very happy to join FC Tulsa. It's a new step in my career and my development," said Leazard. "Haiti is complicated because of the political situation, so it was my dream to be able to leave and play in a new championship abroad. I want to accomplish a lot and dream of winning a trophy with Tulsa while scoring lots of goals and lots of assists to help the team."

Prior to his signing, the native of Cap Haïtien played his club ball with Real Hope Football Academy in Haiti's top-flight division, Liuge Haïtienne.

Leazard becomes the fourth player under the age of 20 to be named to FC Tulsa's roster next season alongside Luca Sowinski, Christopher Pearson, and Angel Bernal as the club continues to amass young, competitive talent.

FC Tulsa 2023 Roster:

Goalkeepers: Austin Wormell

Defenders: Angel Bernal, Bradley Bourgeois, Jorge Corrales, Adrián Diz Pe, Brett Levis, Justin Malou

Midfielders: Eric Bird, Rodrigo da Costa, Collin Fernandez, Blaine Ferri, Chrisopher Pearson, Luca Sowinski

Forwards: Moses Dyer, Marcus Epps, Watz Leazard, Darío Suárez, Milo Yosef

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