SEASIDE, Calif. – Monterey Bay F.C. announced on Tuesday the club has signed midfielder Jiro Barriga Toyama ahead of its inaugural USL Championship campaign. The signing is pending league and federation approval.

Barriga Toyama showcased his skills at the collegiate level for Barton Community College, scoring seven goals in 25 matches. After his year there, he moved to Florida Gulf Coast University and recorded two goals and five assists in 31 appearances for the Eagles. During his collegiate career, Barriga Toyama also played for the Brooklyn Italians, for whom in a U.S. Open Cup match in 2014 he recorded the game-winning goal against the Jersey Express to push the team into the Third Round.

After graduation, the Panama City native joined Major League Soccer side Minnesota United FC as a trialist in 2019 and scored a hat trick in a preseason friendly before signing with USL League One club Forward Madison FC where he spent the past three seasons.

“Jiro had an outstanding season at the USL League One level with Forward Madison,” said Monterey Bay F.C. Sporting Director and Head Coach Frank Yallop. “He’s a versatile left-sided player who is exciting on the dribble and will create chances for the team.”

During his three seasons in Wisconsin, Barriga Toyama scored one goal and recorded two assists in 58 career appearances, including his professional debut against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC on April 7, 2019.

“I’m extremely excited to be a part of this inaugural team,” said Barriga Toyama. “I can’t wait to meet everyone, start working hard and bring a championship to our community and the supporters of MBFC. I want to thank coach Frank for this opportunity. I feel very motivated and I can’t wait to kick off the season strong.”