VSI Tampa Bay FC is pleased to announce the signings of Darren Toby and Andriy Budnyy to the 2013 USLPRO roster.
Both players come to Tampa at the conclusion of an MISL season with the Syracuse Silver Knights. Toby and Budnyy bring a combined thirteen years of professional experience.
Andriy Budnyy has proven himself as a goal-scorer globally. The Azusa Pacific product would make his mark as a pro in 2006 with the Charlotte Eagles, who would go on to be finalists in the USL2 National Championship.
Budnyy returned to his homeland in 2006, playing initially for Arsenal Bila Tserkva and then for Obolon Kyiv. He was the top scorer for Obolon's reserves, in the Ukranian Second League in 2007-2008, with twenty goals.
Budnyy would then return to the United States to join the Carolina Railhawks, where he would go on to have six goals in 43 appearances over the 2009 and 2010 season. After being loaned to the Wilmington Hammerheads, Budnyy remained with Wilmington through the 2012 season where he would total seventeen goals over thirty-nine appearances.
Coach Matt Weston identified Budnyy for his squad early on; "Andriy was one of my main targets as soon as I got the job. The quality he has at times belongs at a higher level and the way he plays will be perfect in my system. I am excited to bring another player into the roster who is hugely technical, imaginative and will excite the fans here in Tampa."
Darren Toby comes to VSI Tampa Bay FC after a five year showing with the Charlotte Eagles. The College of Charleston graduate would sign on as a professional with the Charlotte Eagles for his debut in 2008.
Head coach Matt Weston is delighted to bring Toby onto the roster for the club's inaugural season.
Weston quotes, "Darren is a player we targeted early with what he brings to a team. His possession of the ball is outstanding. He sits in the middle of the park, breaks up play and keeps it simple and in our system that is exactly what we need from the base of midfield."
The Trinidad and Tobago native would appear sixty-four times for the Eagles, where he would anchor the midfield with his defensive presence and calmness in possession. The USL would award Toby second-team all league honors for his accomplishments.
"Both players bring a tremendous amount of experience to our squad in this inaugural season. Andriy brings a creative scoring threat up top immediately. He is a forward who constantly puts himself in good spaces, and has the technical ability to find the net. Darren provides a physical, yet calming presence in the midfield that allows the attacking front to take risks. His technical ability allows him to sit in supporting roles and help guide the speed of the game. I know both players are going to be huge assets to the squad as we near the start of the season," states Director of Soccer Clay Roberts.
Look for both players to be in action for the remaining pre-season games coming up this week against the University of Tampa on March 21 at 7 PM, and University of South Florida on March 23, kick-off set for 7 PM.
The Season kicks off at the end of the month, where VSI Tampa Bay FC will hit the road for a three game trip against expansion franchise Phoenix FC, the LA Blue, and finish with the Portland Timbers Reserves of the MLS.