Toronto FC locks up defensive anchor Moor
TORONTO Less than a week after winning the MLS Cup, Toronto FC has signed veteran defender Drew Moor to a one-year contract extension plus an option.
Moor, who turns 34 in January, was eligible for free agency at the end of the year.
The centre back has been the anchor of the Toronto defence since joining the club two years ago as a free agent from Colorado.
“Few words can express what it means to me and my family to continue representing Toronto FC,” Moor said in a statement Friday.
“We have experienced a lot of special moments both on and off the field in Toronto, the club has given us so much these past two years, and there is nowhere else we’d want to be.
“I can’t wait to get back to work with my teammates, coaches and staff ahead of the 2018 season as we defend our MLS Cup championship.”
Moor’s signing leaves defenders Steven Beitashour and Jason Hernandez as Toronto’s two remaining potential free agents.
Moor has played 57 regularseason games and scored five goals over the last two years with TFC, in recent months at the centre of Toronto’s three-man backline.
He missed seven games after being sidelined with an irregular heartbeat, which was detected in April thanks to the heart monitors and GPS chips the players wear during practice.
Doctors found a minor defect in his heart which they were able to correct via a 3½-hour procedure in Boston called an ablation to restore normal heart rhythm.
The 13-year MLS veteran made 34 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring two goals and adding one assist as Toronto won the MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield and Canadian Championship.
Moor made US$261,750 this season, seventh-highest among Toronto players.
Moor ranks eighth on the MLS all-time appearances list (regular season) for outfield players. Overall, he has appeared in a combined 384 games (MLS regular season and playoffs) with 27 goals and eight assists.