April 9, 2015 Toronto FC II--Luca Uccello makes a name for himself in USL (from torontofc.ca)
Luca Uccello makes a name for himself in USL Academy graduate is turning heads early on April 9, 2015 Devang Desai torontofc.ca As a 17-year-old I spent most of my time hanging out in my friend’s basement, overpaying for beer bought by the older kids and watching True Lies on TBS. Jamie Lee Curtis forever. In hindsight this was a terrible waste of time. That fact is made even more apparent when observing Luca Uccello’s path from the Toronto FC Academy to the USL. Uccello, 17, signed his first professional contract in March and played in all three games to begin Toronto FC II’s 2015 USL campaign. Though the Reds dropped last Saturday’s contest against New York Red Bulls II, the match marked a big moment for Uccello. He scored his first goal, via a deflection off of a Red Bulls defender, in the 4-1 loss. Uccello immediately tapped the TFC badge on his shirt following the goal. “I’ve been here for five years now,” said the teenager. “I’ve always had a love for Toronto FC. Hitting the badge, it was a landmark.” He’s in the process of completing Grade 12, but Uccello is already a key member of Jason Bent’s squad. “He’s a very cerebral player,” said Bent. “He’s always thinking the game and technically he’s quite sound. To be honest with you he’s been one of our star performers and one of our most consistent players.” “You can see how much it means to him to come through the academy and score his first goal. I was pleased for him.” The adjustment to the pro game has been unique for Uccello and his fellow teammates in more ways than one. Stadium renovations forced TFC II to begin the USL season with a prolonged road trip. The adversity has produced positives, however. For a group that was assembled relatively quickly, the bonding process has been accelerated by life on the road. “You gain a relationship with the guys, whether it’s eating, on the bus, waiting for planes,” said Uccello. “Just playing cards with the guys, you gain a special relationship.” As they waited for their plane to depart to Newark, TFC II sat beside the first team. They were waiting for their flight to Chicago. Uccello’s end goal came into clear focus at that moment. “One day I hope to be sitting with the first team, and on the first team. That’s a goal for me. There’s a ton of great players on this club and I look up to them. So far, so good. Kids these days.
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