TUCSON, Ariz. - FC Tucson today announced the signing of 24-year-old Japanese winger Yuki Shibata, who previously played with Stumptown AC of the National Independent Soccer Association. The deal is pending league and federation approval.

“I’m very excited to join FC Tucson,” said Shibata. “I’m looking forward to meeting the fans and giving my all this year.”

Shibata scored FC Tucson's second goal in its 2-1 win over Grand Canyon University this past Saturday. A season ago, the winger made seven appearances totaling 319 minutes and two goals during the 2021 NISA Fall Season for Stumptown AC.

Shibata began his playing career in his native Japan where he played collegiately at Osaka Gakuin University. Shibata moved to Spain in 2018 where he would develop his skills with lower-tier Spanish sides CD Tarancón and CD La Granja.

Shibata made his professional debut in the Montenegrin Second League with FK Ibar Rožaje, recording 18 appearances and one score.

“He is truly the consummate professional and represents everything we want in that wing position,” FC Tucson Head Coach Jon Pearlman said. “He’s an incredible teammate, has an incredible work rate and attitude and he’s somebody that will be a huge asset to our team in the locker room and on the field.”