Toronto FC promised they'd add established MLS names to their roster this offseason, and they delivered once again just days after inking a promising Designated Player.
Toronto announced on Tuesday that they had acquired defender Justin Morrow in a trade with the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for allocation money. Per team and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“In Morrow, we are adding a young, All-Star caliber player to our backline,” Toronto FC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a statement. “Justin’s steady presence, versatility and MLS experience make him a great addition to the club.”
Morrow, 26, is a four-year veteran in MLS, spending the entirety of his pro career in San Jose, and was originally selected in the second round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft (28th overall). He made 73 appearances for the Quakes, scoring two goals and adding one assist.
He also has one cap for the United States men’s national team, which came during a friendly against Canada in Jan. 2013. He was also an unused substitute during a pair of FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Costa Rica and Mexico in March.
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TFC completed the transfer of Designated Player Gilberto earlier this week. The 24-year-old Brazilian was the sixth-leading scorer in the 2013 Brazilian Série A. The club also traded for Brazilian midfielder Jackson a week ago, bringing in the talented but mercurial winger from FC Dallas.
“We promised our fans back in September that this club would make bold moves this offseason and that they should evaluate our progress in January," Bezbatchenko said during a press conference to introduce the club's newest DP. "We feel that this is a key step and we will continue to work towards delivering on that promise over the next month.”
