Mighty Mouse isn't going anywhere. Toronto FC announced on Wednesday that the club has re-signed forward Joao Plata to a multi-year deal, keeping the Ecuadorian fan favorite at BMO Field.
“We are very happy to get this deal completed and keep Plata at our club,” TFC head coach Aron Winter said in a statement. “Re-signing Plata was a high priority for our club during the offseason. ... Plata wanted to remain in Toronto and we wanted to keep him. We know our fans will be happy with this announcement.”
Plata spent the 2011 season in Toronto on loan from Ecuadorian side LDU Quito and was a huge hit after TFC selected him 49th overall in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft. The teenager scored eight goals and potted nine assists in 35 appearances across all competitions.
The 5-foot-2 speedster was also a key figure in the Reds’ advancement to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League, with four goals and an assist in five appearances. He scored a brace at FC Dallas in Toronto’s final group-stage game last October, helping TFC book place in the knockout rounds.
Plata has also earned one cap for the Ecuadorian national team, a substitute’s appearance last June in a friendly against Canada at BMO Field.
Per team and league policy, terms of Plata’s new deal were not disclosed.
