GREENVILLE, S.C. – Greenville Triumph SC announced on Friday the club had signed defender Hassan Gabo ahead of the 2023 USL League One season. The transaction is pending league and federation approval.

A Somali native, Gabo moved to Utah in 2011 and developed his skills around the Salt Lake soccer community. The 19-year-old competed for VK Cobras FC youth club between 2019 and 2020 and had a stint with the Real Salt Lake U-17 squad. He split time between high schools playing for Cottonwood High School and then Olympus High School, becoming a defensive force for Olympus and graduating in 2021. Last year, Gabo received his first international call-up to represent the Somalia under-20 side at the 2022 Arab Cub in Saudi Arabia.

Although a fresh face, Gabo already has ties with the Triumph. Brothers and former GTSC players, Omar Mohamed and Abdi Mohamed connected with and trained Gabo through their soccer development program in Somalia, the 18x26 Academy. Gabo’s signing marks the first 18x26 Academy player to move into the professional ranks.

“Hassan has tremendous ability and a bright future,” said Triumph Head Coach John Harkes. “It’s very rare that you come across a 19-year-old that reads the game so well, matched with his pace and technical ability. He will be a welcomed addition to our defensive line. I am grateful for Omar Mohammed and his scouting and training company 18x26 Academy, and their leadership and commitment to growing young players!”

Gabo will be the seventh defender to be added to the Greenville roster in a group led by veterans Evan Lee and Tyler Polak.