Terukazu Tanaka

Terukazu Tanaka (田中 輝和, Tanaka Terukazu, born July 14, 1985 in Ibaraki, Osaka) is a Japanese football player.^[1]

Career

A product of Gamba Osaka U-15 alongside with the Japanese superstar Keisuke Honda, Tanaka started his professional career in Japan with Omiya Ardija. He remained at the club for five seasons being selected to the Japan National Team U-21 in 2006, before joining Yokohama on loan in 2009. Following an impressive first season with Yokohama, Tanaka's contract was purchased by his new club. He began the 2010 season with Yokohama, but at the mid-way point of the season was sent on loan to Sagan Tosu and remained at the club for the 2011 season.

He was scouted at the JPFA Tryout in Japan,^[2] and in February 2012, he came to the United States as a trialist for the MLS club Real Salt Lake during their preseason camp.^[3] On March 1, 2012, it was announced that Tanaka was signed by the club.^[4] Tanaka made his MLS debut as part of the Starting XI in match against the Montreal Impact on April 4, 2012, becoming the second Japanese player in Major League Soccer (after Kosuke Kimura of the Colorado Rapids).^[5] On May 26 of the same year, his first assist in the MLS came on a goal by Alvaro Saborio in a match against FC Dallas.^[6]

Tanaka was released by the club following the signing of Kenny Mansally.^[7]

Following his departure from Major League Soccer he first signed with PTT Rayong F.C. in Thailand And in 2014, instantly was acquired by Sisaket F.C. in the Thai Premier League.

Club career statistics

References