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Tola Showunmi

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Tola Showunmi
Tola Showunmi playing for Louisville City in 2024
Personal information
Full name Adetola Showunmi
Date of birth (2000-07-03) 3 July 2000 (age 24)
Place of birth Enfield, London, England
Height 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)[1]
Position(s) Forward
Team information
Current team
Crawley Town
Number 29
Youth career
2014–2016 Boreham Wood
2016–2017 Cheshunt
College career
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2018–2019 Merrimack Warriors 35 (13)
2020–2022 New Hampshire Wildcats 41 (14)
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2017–2018 Cheshunt 8 (0)
2023 Pittsburgh Riverhounds 28 (4)
2024 Louisville City 10 (2)
2024– Crawley Town 7 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 00:14, 17 November 2024 (GMT)

Tola Showunmi (born 3 July 2000) is an English footballer who plays as a forward for EFL League One team Crawley Town.

Career

Early career & College

Showunmi played as a youth player with Boreham Wood[2] and Cheshunt,[3] the latter of which he made eight senior league appearances for in 2017 in both the Ryman League Division One North and the Isthmian League.[4][5][6]

In 2018, Showumni moved to the United States to play college soccer at Merrimack College. In two seasons with the Warriors, Showumni made 35 appearances, netted 13 goals and received Northeast Conference first team all-conference honours in 2019.[7] In 2020, he transferred to the University of New Hampshire, where he went on to make 41 appearances, scoring 14 goals and tallying six assists.[8] With the Wildcats, Showumni was voted to the United Soccer Coaches All-America Third Team and claimed the America East Conference Striker of the Year in 2021. He also earned America East All-Conference First Team honors in 2021, and Second Team honors in 2022.[9]

On 12 January 2022, Showumni was selected 88th overall in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft by Atlanta United.[10][11][12] However, he went unsigned by the team and instead returned to New Hampshire to continue his time at college.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC

On 1 March 2023, Showumni signed with USL Championship club Pittsburgh Riverhounds ahead of their 2023 season.[13][14] He made his professional debut on 11 March 2023, appearing as a 79th-minute substitute during a 1–1 draw with Birmingham Legion.[15] While gametime for Showunmi wasn't guaranteed as strikers like Albert Dikwa, Edward Kizza, and Juan Carlos Obregón often started under manager Bob Lilley, Showunmi was able to register 4 goals in 28 games.[16] Showunmi came off of the bench in a game against Memphis 901, assisting one of Albert Dikwa's goals after a well-timed through-ball.[17] He got his first start in the 0–0 draw against FC Tulsa, playing off the left wing alongside Tony López centrally and Burke Fahling on the right. Showunmi was substituted off in the 67' minute for DZ Harmon.[18][19] Showunmi also contributed in the U.S. Open Cup, assisting Edward Kizza's opener against the Maryland Bobcats before getting substituted for Arturo Ordoñez.[20] Showunmi started for the Riverhounds against the New England Revolution in the 1–0 win, creating multiple chances and having a few shots on target to help secure the upset and send the Riverhounds into the next round of the Open Cup.[21] The Riverhounds would also go on to defeat the Columbus Crew at Highmark Stadium, with Showunmi starting along with the goalscorer, Albert Dikwa. Showunmi was able to help the Riverhounds secure a huge upset win against the Crew.[22][23] The miraculous run in the Open Cup came to an end against FC Cincinnati, though Showunmi was able to notch a goal against Cincinnati, making a tackle against an FC Cincinnati defender and sliding it by Alec Kann.[24]

Back in the USL Championship, Showunmi scored against the Charleston Battery to put the Riverhounds atop of the Championship table after receiving a through-ball by Luke Biasi. Showunmi then dribbled around Trey Muse and scored into the open net.[25][26] Showunmi scored a notable goal two games later against the San Diego Loyal. After going 1–0 down, Showunmi received a cross from Marc Ybarra. Showunmi was able to pull the ball back and backheel it into the goal, beating Koke Vegas. This goal would later get nominated for USL Championship Goal of the Season. Illal Osumanu's goal also finished off the comeback later on in the game.[27][28] Showunmi also netted a consolation goal in the 3–1 loss to Indy Eleven.[29] Showunmi would also net the fourth goal in the Riverhounds' comeback win over Memphis 901. Showunmi received a through-ball from Ybarra, and, after turning away from Memphis defender Jelani Peters, picked out the bottom left corner.[30][31] Showunmi picked up an assist in the next game for the Riverhounds, assisting Albert Dikwa's opener vs. the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Showunmi received a pass from Ordonez, drawing in defenders and creating space for Dikwa, who he then played a pass to. This was his third goal contribution in his past three games.[32] In the reverse-fixture against the Rowdies, Showunmi would also make a tremendous impact after coming on for Nathan Dossantos. Showunmi came on and quickly received a pass from Kenardo Forbes. Showunmi would then dribble into the box and drive a low-cross across goal for Arturo Ordonez to flick into the back of the net, beating goalkeeper, Connor Sparrow. This goal would clinch the Riverhounds the 2023 USL Championship Players' Shield.[33][34] Showunmi described the assist as "unreal."[35] The Riverhounds would end up losing to Detroit City in the quarterfinals of the USL Championship playoffs.[36]

Louisville City FC

Showunmi joined Louisville City on 15 December 2023 for the 2024 season.[37] He made his Louisville debut in the season opener against El Paso, coming on as a substitute for the goalscorer, Wilson Harris.[38] He made ten appearances during the season while scoring two goals. His first goal for the club was the final goal of Louisville's six goal victory over Hartford.[39] Showunmi was given his first and only Louisville start against his former club the Riverhounds in the 1–0 away win.[40] His second goal for the club came against Birmingham, getting the fourth goal over the 4–1 win after an outside of the box strike.[41] Showunmi played his final game for Louisville in the 1–0 loss to Oakland Roots.[42] He then picked up a minor injury, stopping him from playing any other games.[43]

Crawley Town

On 15 August 2024, it was announced that Showunmi had signed for Crawley Town on an initial two-year contract.[44] He made his debut in a 2–1 loss to Wrexham, coming on in the 81' minute for Ronan Darcy. Showunmi had one shot on target and created one chance, but was unable to help his team secure 3 points.[45][46] He then appeared against Wycombe Wanderers, getting to play 27 minutes and picking up a yellow card in the 1-0 loss.[47] His first goal for Crawley came in the final minutes of extra time in a first-round FA Cup match against Maidenhead United at York Road, shooting from outside of the box and finding the bottom corner.[48][49] Showunmi once again found the net in a 2-1 loss to Wycombe Wanderers in the EFL Trophy, tapping home the rebound from Jack Roles's shot from distance. His goal would level the match, but another first half goal from Wycombe secured a defeat.[50][51]

References

  1. ^ "Tola Showunmi". Louisville City FC. Retrieved 19 August 2024.
  2. ^ "WOOD UNDER 16'S CLINCH LEAGUE TITLE". 18 April 2016.
  3. ^ "U18s Make Cup Progress". www.cu-fc.com.
  4. ^ "Cheshunt | Appearances | Adejola Showunmi | 2016–2017". Football Web Pages.
  5. ^ "Cheshunt | Appearances | Adejola Showunmi | 2017–2018". Football Web Pages.
  6. ^ "Wildcats Add Two To Roster". University of New Hampshire Athletics.
  7. ^ "Tola Showunmi – Men's Soccer". Merrimack College Athletics.
  8. ^ "Tola Showunmi – 2022 – Men's Soccer". University of New Hampshire Athletics.
  9. ^ USLChampionship com Staff (2 March 2023). "All-America selection Tola Showunmi highlights two new Hounds additions". USL Championship.
  10. ^ "2022 MLS SuperDraft: Atlanta United's Four Selections | Atlanta United FC". atlutd.
  11. ^ "Atlanta United drafts 4 attackers in 2022 Superdraft". Dirty South Soccer. 12 January 2022.
  12. ^ "Tola Showunmi Selected by Atlanta United FC in MLS SuperDraft". University of New Hampshire Athletics.
  13. ^ "Hounds add young forward Tola Showunmi".
  14. ^ Campbell, Dominic (1 March 2023). "Hounds sign midfielder Burke Fahling and forward Tola Showunmi". Pittsburgh Soccer Now.
  15. ^ "Match Center | USLChampionship.com". www.uslchampionship.com.
  16. ^ "Tola Showunmi". Louisville City FC. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  17. ^ Now, Pittsburgh Soccer (18 March 2023). "FINAL: Riverhounds SC 3, Memphis 901 FC 1". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  18. ^ Now, Pittsburgh Soccer (28 March 2023). "FINAL: Riverhounds SC 0, FC Tulsa 0". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  19. ^ Krysinsky, John (30 March 2023). "Takeaways and Player Grades: Hounds come up short in finishing on transition chances in Tulsa". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  20. ^ Now, Pittsburgh Soccer (25 April 2023). "FINAL: Riverhounds SC 2, Maryland Bobcats 0 (US Open Cup Third Round)". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  21. ^ Krysinsky, John (9 May 2023). "FINAL: Riverhounds SC 1, New England Revolution 0 (US Open Cup – 4th Round)". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  22. ^ Damp, Patrick (25 May 2023). "Riverhounds pull off massive upset, defeat Columbus Crew 1–0 in U.S. Open Cup Round of 16 – CBS Pittsburgh". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  23. ^ "Cup run extended with shutout of Columbus Crew". Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  24. ^ "Magical cup run ends in Cincinnati". Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  25. ^ Krysinsky, John (11 June 2023). "FINAL: Riverhounds SC 2, Charleston Battery 0". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  26. ^ "Riverhounds overtake first place with 2–0 win against Charleston Battery". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  27. ^ Campbell, Dominic (25 June 2023). "Riverhounds Score Twice in 2nd Half to Defeat San Diego 2–1". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  28. ^ "Osumanu bags stoppage-time winner vs. San Diego". Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  29. ^ Krysinsky, John (26 July 2023). "Indy Eleven hand hapless Riverhounds humbling home defeat". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  30. ^ "Second-half flurry shoots Hounds to victory". Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  31. ^ Goodman, Mark Asher (30 July 2023). "Riverhounds score 1000th goal in epic 4–2 win". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  32. ^ Krysinsky, John (5 August 2023). "Riverhounds return to familiar formula to top Tampa Bay, 1–0, to build on first place lead". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  33. ^ Krysinsky, John (7 October 2023). "Riverhounds clinch Players Shield by slamming door shut on Rowdies, 2–0". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  34. ^ "Riverhounds Win USL Players Shield with Victory at Tampa Bay". OurSports Central. 7 October 2023. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  35. ^ Baldwin, Matthew (12 October 2023). "Riverhounds SC's Tola Showunmi remains ambitious in midst of memorable debut season". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  36. ^ Baldwin, Matthew (22 October 2023). "FINAL: Detroit City FC 1, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC 0 (Hounds' season ends with stunning home defeat)". Pittsburgh Soccer Now. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  37. ^ "LouCity signs forward Showunmi off promising rookie season". LouCity.com. Louisville City. Retrieved 15 December 2023.
  38. ^ Acosta, Andres (17 March 2024). "Analysis: LouCity excels with six newcomers in opening-day lineup". www.loucity.com. Louisville, KY: Louisville City FC. Archived from the original on 16 May 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  39. ^ Martin, Jimmie (29 April 2024). "LouCity Dominates Hartford Athletic with 6–0 Victory: Showcases Stellar Attack in Record-Breaking Win". bgsc.show. Louisville, KY: Bluegrass Soccer Cast. Archived from the original on 3 June 2024. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
  40. ^ "LouCity moves six points clear with win over Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC". Louisville City FC. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  41. ^ Mongrue, Trey (29 June 2024). "Strong Second Half From Louisville Dooms Legion FC". www.bhmlegion.com. Birmingham, AL: Birmingham Legion FC. Archived from the original on 16 August 2024. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  42. ^ "Roots Defeat League Leaders Louisville City FC 1–0 at Home". Oakland Roots SC. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  43. ^ "For a nominal fee – Crawley Town sign Tola Showunmi from Louisville City". www.transfermarkt.us. Retrieved 16 August 2024.
  44. ^ "Reds Snap up Showumni". Crawley Town F.C. 15 August 2024. Retrieved 15 August 2024.
  45. ^ "Wrexham get there in the end! Red Dragons made to work for narrow win over Crawley as Elliot Lee and Max Cleworth hit the net while Paul Mullin toils on starting XI return | Goal.com Australia". www.goal.com. 21 September 2024. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  46. ^ "Wrexham vs Crawley Town: League One". BBC Sport. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  47. ^ "Wycombe 1-0 Crawley". Sky Sports. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  48. ^ "Maidenhead United 1-2 Crawley Town: FA Cup". BBC Sport. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  49. ^ "Tola Showunmi's late strike earns Crawley victory over Maidenhead | LiveScore". www.livescore.com. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  50. ^ "Wycombe Wanderers vs Crawley Town: EFL Trophy". BBC Sport. Retrieved 18 November 2024.
  51. ^ Wanderers, Wycombe (12 November 2024). "Second half: Wycombe 2 - 1 Crawley". Wycombe Wanderers. Retrieved 18 November 2024.