January 19, 2023 – United Soccer League Championship (USL) – FC Tulsa News Release
TULSA – FC Tulsa has signed another sparkling young talent to its 2023 roster. Joining the Tulsa attack is the No. 2 overall draft pick from the 2019 MLS SuperDraft and Somali international Siad Haji, pending league and federation approval.
“Siad is a very gifted player who will be a difference maker on the wing,” said FC Tulsa head coach Blair Gavin. “He has the ability to play in tight spaces and can also stretch the game with his pace. This skill set will help us unlock an opponent.”
Haji took the NCAA soccer world by storm with a seemingly flawless junior season at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2018 where the winger scored five goals and registered ten assists. His play yielded Haji First Team All-Southeast Region and All-Atlantic First Team honors along with the title of Atlantic 10 Midfielder of the Year. When factoring in his sophomore season at VCU and his freshman campaign spent at Division III university New England College, Haji concluded his collegiate career with 16 goals and 20 assists.
The Kenyan-born forward inked a Generation Adidas contract following his junior season, making him eligible for the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. Haji was subsequently selected with the second overall choice in the draft by the San Jose Earthquakes.
He debuted for San Jose shortly thereafter on May 12, 2019 at 19 years old and would total 15 appearances for the Earthquakes between loan spells with the USL Championship’s Reno 1868 FC and San Jose’s MLS Next Pro squad.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity Tulsa has provided me,” said Haji. “I’m excited to join FC Tulsa and their style of play is what attracted me. I’m excited to make history with my teammates and approach each game to compete and win.”
Internationally, Haji was a member of the United States U-15, U-17, and U-19 National Teams before opting to instead represent Somalia, the home country of both his parents. He was selected to Somalia’s international squad for the first time during the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup Qualifiers and debuted for his country nearly a year later during Africa Cup of Nations qualifications on March 23, 2022. To date, Haji has capped twice for Somalia.
Haji becomes the 20th player named to FC Tulsa’s 2023 roster. Tulsa is set to kick off the new season on March 11 in Miami with its home opener slated for March 25 vs. Loudoun United FC. Tickets to FC Tulsa’s home opener are available with a Club 918…