Michele Gioia
Italian footballer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Michele Gioia (born 31 July 1971) is an Italian former footballer.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 31 July 1971 | ||
| Place of birth | Pisticci, Italy | ||
| Position | Striker | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1987–1988 | Reggio Audace F.C. | ||
| 1989–1990 | Spezia Calcio | 8 | (0) |
| 1991–1992 | Calcio Lecco 1912 | ||
| 1994 | Toronto Jets | ||
| 1996 | Toronto Italia | ||
| 1997 | Montreal Impact | 6 | (0) |
| 1997 | Toronto Lynx | 10 | (4) |
| 1999–2001 | A.S. Materasassi | 18 | (8) |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Playing career
Gioia began in Serie C1 for the 1987–88 season with Reggio Audace F.C.[1] The following season he signed with Spezia Calcio, where he played in the 1989–90 Coppa Italia against Inter Milan in the first round.[2] In 1991, he played in the Lega Pro Seconda Divisione with Calcio Lecco 1912.[3] In 1994, he played abroad in the Canadian National Soccer League with the Toronto Jets.[4] In 1996, he played with Toronto Italia after they merged with the Toronto Jets.[5][4]
In his debut season with Italia he finished as the league's top goalscorer, and helped produce a perfect season.[6] He featured in the CNSL All-Star match for Italia which included Diego Maradona.[7] He was also given the league's MVP award.[6] In 1997, he signed with the Montreal Impact in the USISL A-League.[8][9] In the middle of the season he was acquired by the Toronto Lynx, and recorded his first goals on 24 August 1997 against Long Island Rough Riders.[10]
In 1999, he played in the Eccellenza Basilicata with A.S. Materasassi.[11]