STATESBORO, Ga. – South Georgia Tormenta FC today announced the signing of Japanese-American defender Kotaro Umeda to its 2022 USL League One roster for the remainder of the season, pending league and federation approval.

“Umeda is an exciting prospect primarily because of his technical proficiency as well as his versatility and positioning,” Tormenta FC Head Coach Ian Cameron commented. “He is someone that can play as a full back and in the midfield. We are excited to welcome him into the club, and we look forward to seeing how he develops within our structure.”

Umeda, 24, returns to the United States after several years of development in the lower tiers of Brazilian and Portuguese football, most recently with Brazilian Série D clubs Blumenau Esporte Clube and Joinville Esporte Clube. The Tokyo native also had brief stints with Portuguese sides GDU Torcatense and Pevidém SC. Collegiately, Umeda spent two years with the University of Louisville before transferring to the University of Akron.