Ryo Shimazaki

Ryo Shimazaki (島崎 竜, Shimazaki Ryō; born 19 April 1997) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a defender.

Ryo Shimazaki
島崎 竜

Personal information
Full name	Ryo Shimazaki
Date of birth	(1997-04-19) April 19, 1997 (age 28)
Place of birth	Kawasaki, Japan
Height	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Position(s)	Defender
Youth career
2008–2016	Kawasaki Frontale
College career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2016–2019	VCU Rams	69	(7)
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2018	Portland Timbers U23s	8	(0)
2019	Tormenta FC 2	8	(0)
2020	New England Revolution II	7	(1)
International career
	Japan U16
	Japan U17
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 25 October 2020

Career

Youth

Shimazaki spent eight years with the Kawasaki Frontale academy.^[1]

College & MLS SuperDraft

Shimazaki opted to move to the United States to play college soccer at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016, where he played for four years, making a total of 69 appearances, scoring seven goals and tallying six assists for the Rams.^[2]

While at college, Shimazaki appeared for USL League Two sides Portland Timbers U23s in 2018,^[3] and with Tormenta FC 2 in 2019.^[4]

On 13 January 2020, Shimazaki was selected 59th overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by Columbus Crew SC.^[5]

Professional

On 16 January 2020, Shimazaki joined New England Revolution II ahead of the 2020 season.^[6] He made his professional debut on 25 July 2020, appearing as a half-time substitute against Union Omaha.^[7] He scored his first goal on 26 August 2020, scoring the game's only goal in a 1–0 win over Greenville Triumph.^[8] Shimazaki's contract option was declined by New England on 30 November 2020.^[9]

On 29 August 2021, Shimozaki announced his retirement from professional soccer.^[10]

International

Shimazaki has represented Japan at under-16 and under-17 level.^[1]