Barca Residency Academy’s U-19 leading goal scorer, Luca Sowinski, has signed his first professional contract with USL Championship club FC Tulsa. At just 18 years, 1 month, and 9 days old, Sowinski becomes the youngest FC Tulsa Player to sign a professional contract in franchise history.
“I’m extremely excited to begin my professional career with FC Tulsa,” said Sowinski. “I’m really looking forward to taking the next step in my development by learning from a great team full of talented players. I’m excited to begin, and although I’m young, I hope to make an impact as soon as possible.”
A Southern California native, Sowinski joined Barca Residency Academy ahead of the 2019-20 season at the age of 15. He got his start in Academy’s Pre-Academy program but quickly rose through the ranks, making the MLS Next squad the following two seasons. Sowinski topped off his academy career with a club-leading 15 goals and five assists in 20 appearances as he helped Barca’s U-19 side to its second consecutive MLS Next Southwest Division Championship and playoff berth.
“Luca has been excellent for our academy over the last 3 years and is a true reflection of our program’s core values on and off the field,” said Barca Residency Academy Director and U-19 Head Coach, Ged Quinn. “He fully deserves the opportunity to go on and prove himself at the professional level. FC Tulsa are adding an extremely smart soccer player who I am sure will have an immediate positive impact within their team. We are extremely proud of Luca and look forward to tracking his future success in the USL Championship.”
A recent high school graduate, Sowinski was set to further his playing career at the University of Denver after signing a National Letter of Intent with the program. Instead, Sowinski has decided to forgo the college route and start his professional career with FC Tulsa.
“This is a huge moment and signing for our club,” said FC Tulsa president Sam Doerr. “We’re thrilled that Luca has chosen to start his professional journey with FC Tulsa and we are confident that our environment will allow him to reach his highest potential. Our fans will love his technical ability and we look forward to seeing him in black and gold.”
Sowinski joins the ever-growing list of players making the jump from Barca Residency Academy to the pros. Sowinski’s former U-19 teammates, Korede Osundina (Orange Country FC), Emmanuel Johnson (Hibernian FC), and Brooklyn Raines (Houston Dynamo) all departed the academy earlier this year after signing professional contracts.
You can catch Sowinski and FC Tulsa in their next match on Saturday, July 23 at 4:30 pm MST on ESPN+ as they take on Birmingham Legion in an Eastern Conference match-up.
