With the 2010 MLS SuperDraft right around the corner, the Toronto FC coaching staff is going through their final preparations before Draft day on Thursday, January 14. The MLS SuperDraft will take place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA with ESPN2 airing the first hour live beginning at 2 p.m. ET. The remainder of the event can be followed on MLSnet.com.
This year, Toronto FC enters the MLS SuperDraft with two picks. The first pick coming in the 2nd Round (24), with the final selection coming in the 4th Round (53). Toronto traded their first round pick in this year's draft to FC Dallas in the deal that brought defender Adrian Serioux back home on February 24, 2009.
Philadelphia Union holds the first overall pick, while FC Dallas, San Jose Earthquakes, and New York Red Bulls each will be kept busy with six selections each. In 2009, Toronto had three picks in the first round and selected midfielder Sam Cronin (2nd overall), forward O'Brian White (4th overall), and goalkeeper Stefan Frei (13th overall).
Prior to the Draft, MLS coaches and GMs from around the league will gather in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to attend the annual MLS Player Combine from January 8-12 at Central Broward Regional Park. Close to 75 top pro prospects will showcase their talents in this tournament.
"Our coaching staff is looking forward to the next week, getting together and assessing the talent at the combine," said director of soccer Mo Johnston.
"From there we'll head to the Draft, and we'll see how things play out. It will also provide us with the first real opportunity to get together as a staff since the holidays."
The final touches are also being put on the pre-season schedule for Toronto FC. All players will report to the club for medicals on February 1 and the team will remain here through till February 7. Notice for media availability for players and coaches will be sent out at a later date. The team will also spend some time in Florida, making their usual stop in Bradenton from February 8-17. Toronto FC will also make another trip to Charleston, SC for the Carolina Cup Challenge from March 12-21. More of the team's pre-season plans will be announced in the near future.
Toronto FC opens the season Saturday, March 27 in Columbus against the Crew.
