Toronto FC makes roster moves; no clear out
Toronto FC has started work on reshaping its roster in the wake of a dismal Major League Soccer season.
The former champions, who went from first to 19th in the standings, declined options on goalkeeper Clint Irwin and forward Tosaint Ricketts. Defender Jason Hernandez and forward Jordan Hamilton will both be out of contract at the end of the year.
Toronto could still bring all four back — as it could with Brazilian wingback Auro and Argentine forward Lucas
Janson, whose loan deals expire Dec. 31.
GM Tim Bezbatchenko, who was in transit Tuesday, seemed to send a mixed signal in the statement outlining the player moves.
“We will continue to have discussions with the players on loan and whose options were not exercised and those out of contract,” Bezbatchenko said. “We want to also acknowledge Clint, Tosaint and Jason for their contributions to the club both on and off the field. They have played an instrumental part in building our club into one that competes for championships.”
Still talking, but thanks for being here.
Toronto did exercise contract options on goalkeeper Caleb Patterson-Sewell; defenders Ashtone Morgan, Drew Moor, Nick Hagglund, Julian Dunn and midfielders Jay Chapman, Ryan Telfer and Aidan Daniels.
Fourteen others were already under contract for 2019.
With 22 players on its roster, Toronto is likely looking for a half-dozen more.
In the aftermath of missing out on the playoffs, TFC executives called the MLS season unacceptable but rejected talk of a clear out.
Team president Bill Manning said the shopping list includes a commanding centre back and “another attacking option.” Coach Greg Vanney expressed an interest in attacking wingers.
“This team isn’t done and this roster isn’t done,’’ said Bezbatchenko, adding a “massive overhaul’’ in personnel isn’t needed.
The future of TFC’s designated players — Jozy Altidore, Michael
Bradley and Sebastian Giovinco — remains up in the air with 2019 the last year on their contracts. The three made more than US$18.5 million between them this season. Irwin, who made $221,000 last year, and Ricketts ($203,175), would likely have to take significant pay cuts to stay.
Irwin, 29, a former starter, has played just 13 league games over the past two seasons with Alex Bono taking over as No. 1.
The 31-year-old Ricketts, a Canadian international with 59 caps, had a slow start to the season due to a thyroid abnormality. He played in 18 league games but started just four and had three goals in his 601 minutes.
Toronto has also agreed to terminate the contract of midfielder Ager Aketxe “by mutual consent.” The Spaniard, a bigticket addition for the season at $1.295 million, was returned to Spanish club Cadiz CF in midJuly after failing to make his mark. The 24-year-old had one assist in 14 combined appearances in MLS and CONCACAF Champions League action.
After winning the MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield and Canadian Championship in 2017, Toronto’s fall from grace was shocking. Toronto (10-18-6) finished ninth in the Eastern Conference, 14 points out of the playoffs.