Toronto FC announced Thursday that they have signed 6 rookies - Goalkeeper Tomer Chencinski, Defenders Stephen Lumley, and Tyler Hemming, Midfielders Andrew (A.J) Gray, and David Guzman, and Forward Andrea Lombardo to Developmental contracts.
As per team policy, financial details were not disclosed.
Chencinski, 6-2, 190lbs, is a native of Thornhill, Ontario and attended Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey (NEC conference) for two seasons after arriving from Robert Morris. The 22 year old started eight games in his first season, allowing eight goals. In 2006, he played nine games and posted a 0.57 goals against average. Over two seasons he collected nine shutouts.
Lumley, 5-7, 156lbs is a current member of the Canadian U-20 National team and a native of Mississauga, Ontario. The 19 year old made his debut for the Canadians in April of 2006 in game against Norway. Prior to that, he played with the U-17 squad. Lumley trained locally with NTC Ontario.
Hemming, 6-0, 174lbs was drafted in the 4th round, 40th overall in the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft. The 21 year old attended Hartwick College scoring ten goals, and adding one assist in his final year. Hemming was named the Atlantic Soccer Conference Player of the Year in two consecutive seasons, (2005 & 2006). He made 57 appearances for Hartwick, scoring sixteen goals in his four years. He is a native of London, Ontario.
Gray, 5-8, 145lbs, is a current member of the Canadian U-20 squad and a native of Brampton, Ontario. The 18 year old made his debut with the National team on July 7, 2006 in a game against the United States. Prior to joining the U-20's, he played with the U-17 squad during which time he played all 3 games in the final round of the 2005 CONCACAF U-17 Qualifying Tournament.
Guzman, 5-4, 148lbs, arrives from the University of Louisville. The 22 year old native of Toronto was a member of the U-15, U-16, and U-17 Canadian National Team's. In his Sophomore season he started all 18 games and finished second on the team in points, scoring 11 goals. Guzman was named a first team All-Big East Selection, and earned second team NSCAA All-Great Lakes Region honours. The midfielder also played for the Chicago Fire PDL (Premier Development League) team in the summer and was the second leading scorer for the Fire with five goals and two assists. He helped guide the club to a first place finish in the Great Lakes Division.
Lombardo, 6-1, 176lbs is a current member of the Canadian U-20 squad, and is a native of Toronto. He made his debut with the National team on January 4, 2005 versus Panama and scored two goals that year. The 19 year old was also a member of the Canadian U-17, and was selected to the final roster for the FIFA World Youth Championship Netherlands 2005. Lombardo also was a part of the Junior Team at the 2003 CONCACAF Qualifying Tournament. The forward signed with Atalanta BC in Italy in 2005, and then was loaned to AC Perugia in early February (subbed in for three games) - then loaned to Rieti.
