Forward Madison FC has signed 22-year-old winger Tyler Allen, adding an injection of pace to its 2021 roster, according to a press release. Allen, who spent the 2020 season with Reno 1868 of the USL Championship, figures to add a new dynamic to the right side of the Flamingos’ attack.
“I like what Coach (Carl) Craig is trying to build here,” Allen said in an interview Thursday. “After we talked, I really liked how he wants to play soccer, like how he wants to have the right environment for the team. He loves the city so much and he wants to create a team that be as vibrant as the city.”
Allen’s signing adds a second winger to the Flamingos’ squad, joining former Charlotte Independence forward Derek Gebhard. Head Coach Carl Craig said Allen’s upside and style of play could lead him to success with the Flamingos.
“Tyler is a player who could easily go on to a higher level in the future,” Craig said in a statement. “He is exceptionally quick – I’d call him our Roadrunner. He’s also got great close control, he’s very good at one-on-one dribbling and he looks to get forward in an exciting manner.”
Allen, who is originally from Hawaii and identifies as half Asian, grew up playing for the Honolulu Bulls youth club and Mid-Pacific Institute in high school. A trip to the mainland led to an offer from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, where he played from 2016 to 2020. Originally recruited as a winger, Allen also played regularly as a right back for UNLV.
Allen was a late addition for Reno in 2020, signing in July, and ultimately didn’t feature for a team that topped the USL Championship’s regular season standings. As he trades mountains for Madison, Allen said his time with the Flamingos will give him the chance to stand out.
“The coaching staff told me about the style of play they want this year, and it really matches what I can do,” Allen said in a statement. “I really like to use my speed to go at players one-on-one and get in behind the defense, so hopefully I can do some of that this upcoming season.”
