Toronto FC announced Monday they have acquired Forward Conor Casey from FSV Mainz 05 of the German Bundesliga. Toronto used their top allocation to secure the American, a spot which was acquired during the MLS Expansion Draft back in November. As per club policy, financial details were not released.
The 6-1, 170 pound Casey arrives in Toronto after a number of seasons competing in Europe in Germany's Bundesliga for clubs Borussia Dortmund, Hannover 96, Karlsruher (II), and his last club FSV Mainz 05.
Casey, 25, began his pro career playing for Dortmund's amateur squad, scoring twice in ten games. He was loaned to Hannover 96 during the 2001/02 season helping the club win promotion to the Budesliga. That season he scored seven times in 19 appearances. He was loaned out again in 2003/04 to Bundesliga II side Karlsruhe SC where he rebounded in spectacular fashion after spending much of the previous season out with injuries. With Karlsruhe SC he tallied fourteen times, in 30 games. His goal on the final day of the season saved the club from relegation.
Casey joined Mainz in June of 2004 - and in the process, broke the club's transfer fee record. (400,000 euros / $616,000 CDN)
"Adding new players is always exciting, and in Conor we're also adding experience," said Head Coach Mo Johnston, "he's a striker that adds a different flavour. We are strong up front and Conor is a good blend with our other guys Buddle, Abbe (Ibrahim), and Eskandarian."
Internationally, Casey's most recent appearance with the U.S. National Team was 2005; he made just two appearances before suffering a torn ACL. His debut for the squad was March 31, 2004 against Poland. He played 10 games for the U-23 team, scoring a goal in a 3-1 win over Armenia. That same year, he represented the U.S. on the Olympic team recording an assist to help the Americans to a fourth place finish.
Casey attended the University of Portland and in his Freshman year was named West Coast Conference Co-Player of the Year, and Freshman of the Year. In 10 games in scored eight goals, and five assists for 21 points.
