WEST HARTFORD, Conn. ­— Former University of Hartford Men's Soccer standout Omar Tall will be playing professionally in Poland for the 2016-17 season. Tall, who had been playing with Connecticut United FC, went on a 1-year loan to FKS Stal Mielec in the Polish Ekstraklasa Premier League.

Tall, a native of Dakar, Senegal, was a 2-year starter for the Hawks. He finished with a career-best eight points (two goals, four assists) as a junior and added five points (goal, three assists) during his senior season.

"We're happy to see Omar continue his career at the professional level," Hartford Head Coach Tom Poitras said. "He's a very talented player. He's in a good situation and he will thrive at the next level. We're looking forward to watching his progress."

Connecticut United President Greg Bajek, who played professionally in Poland, confirmed Tall's move overseas.

"We are committed to preparing players for the next level and playing in Poland will be a logical step for a player the ilk of Omar," Bajek said. "We wish him the best and look forward to monitoring his progress. Omar's signing will hopefully open the door for others."

In June, Stal Mielec played a series of friendlies in the Northeast, including a 1-0 setback to Connecticut United. Tall, a midfielder, assisted on the match's lone goal. Later Tall was a guest player for Stal Mielec in a friendly against a club from Queens, N.Y., and recorded three assists playing with his future teammates. He also was a guest player for Icon FC when Stal Mielec played in New Jersey.

"This is a big opportunity," Tall said. "Not many players get a chance to go overseas and I plan on making the most of it."