Morrow to return for 8th season

Fullback re-signs with team, along with centre back Zavaleta

Veteran fullback Justin Morrow and centre back Eriq Zavaleta have re-signed with Toronto FC.

The signings do not come as a surprise, given both players have been at Toronto’s training camp, which opened last week. But they needed new deals after their contracts expired at the end of last season.

In keeping the two defenders in the fold, TFC retains experience and continuity.

The 33-year-old Morrow is entering his eighth season with the club while the 28-year-old Zavaleta is starting his seventh campaign. Morrow has made 229 appearances for Toronto in all competitions, second only to midfielder Jonathan Osorio (263). Captain Michael Bradley is third (214) on the list.

Morrow, a U.S. international who doubles as executive director of Black Players for Change, is respected on and off the field. His new deal covers the 2021 season.

“Justin has been a fixture with TFC and it’s great to have him signed,” Toronto GM Ali Curtis said. “His versatility on the field, veteran presence in the locker room and overall leadership on and off the field have been critical for the club for a long time and we’re thrilled that will continue.”

Zavaleta adds depth to a defence that lost veteran backup Laurent Ciman since last season. The Indiana native has made 136 appearances in all competitions for TFC. His deal is for one year with an option for the 2022 season.

“Eriq is another veteran who’s given a lot to the club,” said Curtis. “He comes to the training ground every day ready to work and is a great role model as an all-around professional for our young players.”

Zavaleta, acquired in a trade with the Seattle Sounders in January 2015, is one of 12 players to have made 100 appearances or more for TFC and is eighth in club history in appearances.

Morrow joined Toronto in ’14 after four seasons with the San Jose Earthquakes. He was an Major League Soccer all-star in ’12 with the Quakes and was named to the MLS Best XI in ’17. When healthy, he has been a fixture at left fullback for Toronto.

Morrow had made it clear he wanted to return to Toronto.

“This organization, this city has given me so much as a professional athlete and as a man,” he said during the off-season. “And I just want to have a chance to win more trophies here and play in front of our fans again.”