Where are they now?: Connor Tobin
From the backline of the NASL to the negotiating table of the USL, Connor Tobin has spent his entire career fighting for the American lower-division soccer player. Known affectionately as “Turbo” during his playing days, the former Minnesota United defender has transitioned from stopping attackers to securing labor rights as the Executive Director of the USL Players Association.
The Loon
Tobin joined Minnesota United (then the Stars) in 2012, arriving from the Rochester Rhinos. He quickly established himself as a reliable, no-nonsense center-back, helping anchor a defense that made a miraculous run to the 2012 NASL Championship Final.
Though his time in Minnesota was relatively short (2012–2013), he left a mark with his grit and durability. He made 34 appearances for the club, scoring one goal and providing the defensive stability that allowed the “Stars” era teams to punch above their weight.
Where he went
After leaving Minnesota in 2014, Tobin embarked on a long and successful career across the lower divisions.
- North Carolina FC (2014–2018): Tobin became a staple in Cary, spending five seasons with the Carolina RailHawks (later North Carolina FC). He made over 140 appearances for the club, serving as a consistent presence during their transition from the NASL to the USL Championship.
- Forward Madison (2019–2021): Tobin found a new home—and cult hero status—in Madison, Wisconsin. Joining the “Mingos” for their inaugural USL League One season, he served as team captain and became the face of the franchise. He was beloved by the “Flock” supporters group, famously celebrating wins by chugging a beer on the pitch.
- Vermont Green FC (2022): After retiring from professional play in late 2021, Tobin briefly returned to his college roots in Vermont. He joined USL League Two side Vermont Green FC in a unique front-office role titled “General Mountain Man,” focusing on community relations, while also making a cameo appearance on the field.
Where he is now
Tobin is now one of the most influential figures in lower-division American soccer, serving as the Executive Director of the USL Players Association (USLPA).
His work in labor organizing began while he was still playing; he was a founding member of the USLPA in 2018, helping to establish the first trade union for USL players. Since taking the Executive Director role, he has been at the forefront of historic collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, fighting for higher minimum wages, better healthcare, and standard working conditions for players across the USL Championship and League One.
As recently as January 2026, Tobin has been active in public discussions regarding player rights and the potential implementation of promotion and relegation in the USL, ensuring that player voices are central to the league’s future restructuring.
Leadership from the back
Looking back, Tobin’s career trajectory makes perfect sense. The same vocal leadership and organizational skills he used to marshal defenses in Blaine are now being used to organize thousands of players across the continent. He has effectively traded the captain’s armband for a seat at the boardroom table, ensuring the next generation of “Loons” and lower-league grinders have a stable career path.
