Nigerian International Forward Bright Dike Joins San Antonio Scorpions On Loan

The San Antonio Scorpions and Major League Soccer's Toronto FC have agreed to terms on a loan that will send striker Bright Dike to San Antonio, the club announced Monday.

"Bright is a powerful, talented forward with size, pace and an acute sense for scoring goals," head coach Alen Marcina said. "He brings another element to our offense and provides attacking depth as someone we believe can potentially be a dominant force in the NASL. We are grateful to Toronto for this loan."

The 6-foot-1, 213lb Dike was selected in the first round (12th overall) of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by the Columbus Crew. The native of Edmond, Oklahoma, made his MLS debut a year later with the then expansion Portland Timbers and scored six goals in 23 appearances with the club. Dike, 28, was traded to Toronto FC in September of 2013 and has appeared in 11 matches for the Reds, registering one goal and one assist in MLS play.

"We want to thank Toronto FC for the opportunity to bring Bright to San Antonio," President and General Manager Howard Cornfield. "He's a strong, imposing player that gives our coaching staff an array of options at the forward position."

Dike has twice been called up to play for Nigeria - his parents are natives of Nigeria - and he scored his first international goal against Italy in 2013. Prior to turning professional, Dike played collegiately at the University of Notre Dame where he was named Big East Offensive Player of the year in 2009, led the Fighting Irish in scoring his junior and senior years, earned first team All-Big East honors twice, and finished his college career with 27 goals and 12 assists. Dike's professional career includes time with: Indiana Invaders (USL PDL), Portland Timbers (USL PRO), Portland Timbers (MLS), and Toronto FC (MLS).