TACOMA, WASH. – Tacoma Defiance today announced that it has signed midfielder Georgi Minoungou to an MLS NEXT Pro contract. Financial terms were not disclosed. The deal comes after Tacoma secured a permanent transfer of Minoungou from MFK Vyškov.
“We are excited to have the opportunity to continue working with Georgi,” said Vice President of Player Development Henry Brauner. “We feel he’s progressed well in our environment and are excited to continue his formulation as a player and person in our development system.”
Minoungou, 20, spent the majority of 2022 on loan with Defiance from MFK Vyškov, appearing in 18 matches (seven starts) for Tacoma across all competitions, including both postseason fixtures. Minoungou recorded two goals and four assists in MLS NEXT Pro action, scoring against St. Louis CITY SC 2 and Sporting Kansas City II and tallying three assists against Colorado Rapids 2.
“We are so happy to have Georgi return to Tacoma Defiance for 2023,” said Tacoma Defiance Head Coach Wade Webber. “He demonstrated last season that he has tremendous potential as an attacking player. More than that, he showed a level humility and willingness to listen and learn that was both refreshing and a positive sign for his long-term development. He wants to get better every day at training and that attitude, combined with excellent technical ability and an interesting physical profile, definitely makes him a player to watch this year.”
The move brings the current Tacoma roster to nine players as the club continues its preseason preparations for its second MLS NEXT Pro campaign.
TRANSACTION: Tacoma Defiance signs midfielder Georgi Minoungou to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract on January 23, 2023.
Full Name: Georgi Minoungou
Pronunciation: Min-oon-goo
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-10
Weight: 155
Hometown: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
Date of Birth: July 25, 2002 in Batiébly-Kouibly, Côte d’Ivoire
Nationality: Côte d’Ivoire
Acquired: Signed on January 23, 2023
