May 27, 2022...Toronto FC II sign Academy product Hugo Mbongue (from Toronto FC website)
Toronto FC II sign Academy product Hugo Mbongue By Toronto FC Communications @TorontoFCMR Friday, May 27, 2022, 11:57 AM Toronto FC II announced that the club has signed forward Hugo Mbongue to an MLS NEXT Pro contract. Mbongue will be added to the club’s roster pending league and federation approval. “Hugo has a unique combination of game intelligence, speed and the ability to finish in a variety of ways,” said Toronto FC II Head Coach Gianni Cimini. “He will continue to be an exciting player to watch and will provide a constant threat in the final third. MLS NEXT Pro is the perfect platform to provide the challenges Hugo will need to reach his full potential.” Mbongue, 17, has recently made five appearances for Toronto FC II in the inaugural MLS NEXT Pro season. He scored his first goal and first brace for the Young Reds in the 2022 Home Opener against New York City FC II on April 10, 2022 and is currently the team's joint leader in goals (three) and assists (three). The Academy product was called up to TFC II during the 2021 USL League One regular season and appeared in 10 matches for the Young Reds, including his TFC II debut against North Texas SC on May 22. Prior to the Young Reds, Mbongue represented Toronto FC Academyacross the U-15, U-16, U-17 and U-19 age groups from 2018 to 2021. In 2019, Mbongue led the U-15 squad to the U.S. Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) National Championship in San Diego, California. The forward was awarded the USSDA U-15 Golden Boot after scoring four goals during the team’s run to the championship including two in the dramatic come-from-behind finale against Los Angeles FC. Earlier in 2019, the Toronto native also led the U-15 squad to the Generation adidas Cup Finals and was the tournament’s Golden Boot winner in Frisco, Texas. Mbongue originally joined the Toronto FC Academy in March 2018 after spending time with North Toronto Soccer Club and Clairlea-Westview Soccer Club. “Hugo’s long-term potential was apparent when he first joined the Academy in 2018 and he continued to excel in our training environment and the various competitions he attended,” said TFC Academy Director Anthony Capotosto. “Hugo always demonstrated the desire to play at the professional level and we are happy to see him take this next step in his pathway and wish him well as he makes the transition to the professional game. I would also like to acknowledge North Toronto Soccer Club and their staff for their contributions to Hugo’s development.” TRANSACTION: Toronto FC II sign forward Hugo Mbongue to an MLS NEXT Pro contract. HUGO MBONGUE Position: Forward Height: 5’11” Weight: 185 lbs. Birthdate: July 27, 2004 (Age – 17) Hometown: Toronto, Ontario Nationality: Canadian Last Club: Toronto FC Academy
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