Ryo Shimazaki
Japanese footballer (born 1997)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ryo Shimazaki (島崎 竜, Shimazaki Ryō; born 19 April 1997) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a defender.
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ryo Shimazaki | ||
| Date of birth | April 19, 1997 | ||
| Place of birth | Kawasaki, Japan | ||
| Height | 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) | ||
| Position | Defender | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2008–2016 | Kawasaki Frontale | ||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2016–2019 | VCU Rams | 69 | (7) |
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2018 | Portland Timbers U23s | 8 | (0) |
| 2019 | Tormenta FC 2 | 8 | (0) |
| 2020 | New England Revolution II | 7 | (1) |
| International career | |||
| Japan U16 | |||
| Japan U17 | |||
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 25 October 2020 | |||
Career
Youth
Shimazaki spent eight years with the Kawasaki Frontale academy.[1]
College & MLS SuperDraft
Shimazaki opted to move to the United States to play college soccer at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016, where he played for four years, making a total of 69 appearances, scoring seven goals and tallying six assists for the Rams.[2]
While at college, Shimazaki appeared for USL League Two sides Portland Timbers U23s in 2018,[3] and with Tormenta FC 2 in 2019.[4]
On 13 January 2020, Shimazaki was selected 59th overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by Columbus Crew SC.[5]
Professional
On 16 January 2020, Shimazaki joined New England Revolution II ahead of the 2020 season.[6] He made his professional debut on 25 July 2020, appearing as a half-time substitute against Union Omaha.[7] He scored his first goal on 26 August 2020, scoring the game's only goal in a 1–0 win over Greenville Triumph.[8] Shimazaki's contract option was declined by New England on 30 November 2020.[9]
On 29 August 2021, Shimozaki announced his retirement from professional soccer.[10]
International
Shimazaki has represented Japan at under-16 and under-17 level.[1]