AFC Ann Arbor are delighted to announce the signing of Shion Soga ahead of the 2022 USL League Two campaign. Soga, born in Japan, is the first player, as well as the first fresh face, to be added to the men’s squad.
Soga was part of the u18 squad of the J1 League side Nagoya Grampus, before moving to the United States in 2019. He played high school soccer at Novi High School and Michigan Jaguars. He reached the USYS National Championships with the 2002 Jaguars team and was a 2020 MHSAA First Team All-State and 2020 MHSAA Dream Team selection.
After committing to the University of South Florida, Soga has become a regular member of the Bulls. In his freshman year, the Japanese started nine out of ten USF matches and logged two goals. A year later, he was selected to the 2021 AAC All-Conference First Team by appearing in all 14 games and creating 3 goals and 4 assists in his sophomore season.
“The major reason that I decided to join AFC Ann Arbor is because I like how they play. Also, AFC Ann Arbor plays at a very high league level, and that is another key reason in joining this team.” Soga said, on his decision of joining AFCAA. Soga would also highlight the technical characteristics that the team has, and how these playing characteristics could fit well with his style.
As mentioned above, Soga describes himself as a player with strength and creativity. “Strength is my best attribute. I am a central attacking midfielder, so I can make chances, score goals, also settle the game.”
Soga shares the same nationality with former AFCAA women’s team midfielders Mami Yamaguchi and Suzuho Yamasaki, who played vital roles during the women’s team’s inaugural season. He pledged to extend and maintain the legacy up and beyond. “I'm honored that I’m able to become part of the Japanese legacy that players [like Mami and Suzu] have helped successfully create. It gives me a little bit of pressure, but I'm so excited to play for AFC Ann Arbor.”
Rod Asllani, newly appointed men’s head coach for the 2022 season, is impressed by Soga’s agility and techniques. “Shion is an incredibly hard-working player that has great field vision. As a midfielder, he possesses the ability to unbalance the opposing team on the dribble. He’s also a consistent attacking threat to break into the final third and score.”
Not only the attacking attributes, but Asllani also emphasized Soga’s defensive skills. “He’s very creative with and without the ball. As a defender, he is able to high-pressure attackers within any moment of the game.”
AFCAA gives a warm welcome to Shion and we look forward to successful 2022 season this summer.
About AFC Ann Arbor
Association Football Club Ann Arbor (AFC Ann Arbor) was founded in 2014, and competes in USL2 (men’s) and USLW (women’s) national amateur leagues. We are a community-based club, focused on equity, justice, and anti-racism. We consider all of our stakeholders, including supporters, players, staff, and ownership to be part of the #AFCAAFamily. Come On You Mighty Oak!