Ahead of the 2014 SuperDraft, MLSsoccer.com is breaking down each team's needs and potential draft targets. Toronto FC have made some big moves lately, but now they need to fill out the rest of the squad:
It's the dawn of a new era at BMO Field, thanks to the arrival of a trio of DPs: Michael Bradley, Jermain Defoe and Gilberto. They've also welcomed back Dwayne De Rosario, and picked up a pair of veteran starters in Justin Morrow and Jackson.
Currently there are only two roster spots to fill, though that's expected to change soon -- especially along the backline.
Toronto FC's SuperDraft Picks: #15 (1st Rd), #24 (2nd Rd), #60 (4th Rd)
Toronto FC's Depth Chart (28 players):
Goalkeepers (3): Joe Bendik, Chris Konopka, Quillan Roberts
Right Backs (3): Mark Bloom, Ryan Richter, Richard Eckersley
Left Backs (3): Justin Morrow, Ashtone Morgan, Jonas Elmer
Center Backs (3): Steven Caldwell, Doneil Henry, Gale Agbossoumonde
Center Mids (5): Michael Bradley, Jackson, Kyle Bekker, Jeremy Hall, Matias Laba
Left Mids (0):
Right Mids (2): Alvaro Rey, Reggie Lambe
Attacking Mids (3): Dwayne De Rosario, Jonathan Osorio, Manny Aparicio
Forwards (6): Jermain Defoe, Gilberto, Bright Dike, Andrew Wiedeman, Emery Welshman, Jordan Hamilton
International slots (1 of 9 remaining): Caldwell, Eckersley, Lambe, Laba, Defoe, Gilberto, Elmer, Rey
Toronto's Primary Need: Right back
It's entirely conceivable that none of the three guys listed on that depth chart above will be around by opening day. Eckersley, for one, is already gone. And while Richter and Bloom are good depth, neither is a starting-caliber talent for a club with grand aspirations.
Targets:Eric Miller (Creighton - GA), Marco Franco (UC Irvine), Joe Sofia (UCLA)
Secondary Need: Flank midfield play
If Rey plays like they think he can, that takes care of one side of the field. Who mans the other? Osorio might play inverted on the left, or De Rosario doing the same, but with the way this team is setting up, they may need a more direct presence there.
Targets:Schillo Tshuma (Maryland - GA), Ryan Neil (California), Thomas McNamara (Clemson), Andre Lewis (Jamaica U-20s)
CATCH THE OTHER SUPERDRAFT TEAM PREVIEWS:
SAN JOSE: Can Quakes find a player at No. 9 who can start right away?
FC DALLAS: Will Oscar Pareja make a run at NCAA top scorer?
LA GALAXY: Bruce Arena merely putting finishing touches on 2014 squad
REAL SALT LAKE: Jeff Cassar's first big decisions come in SuperDraft
VANCOUVER WHITECAPS: GA prospects are the targets for 'Caps
COLORADO RAPIDS: Will Rapids be heading in a different direction post-Pareja?
CHIVAS USA: Can the Goats find the next Jonathan Bornstein?
