Omar Gonzalez Signed by Toronto FC

The Toronto FC announced that they have signed Omar Gonzalez, a veteran defender Omar Gonzalez who has played previously played for the team. His goal for returning is to chase titles.

Omar Gonzalez commented that the team TFC has currently is one that can make another run for the title. Commenting during a media conference, Gonzalez said,

Upon Gonzalez passing a medical, he will join the roster on July 9th after the transfer window opens. It is reported that his new contract will cover the current year and the next two. At 30, Gonzalez, a native of Texas, has been rumoured to be a target for Toronto. The defender was close to closing a deal before the May 7th transfer window earlier in the season but the club he currently was with, Club Atlas was up for sale, and that had an impact on his making the move.

Toronto is hopeful that the addition of Omar Gonzalez will improve its defence, which currently is one of the worst in the league. TFC has not won a game in it’s last six and has allowed in twenty-three goals so far this season. Gonzalez will join Laurent Ciman, Chris Mavinga, Eriq Zavaleta and Drew Moor.

After leaving the L.A Galaxy and heading to Mexico, Gonzalez played with Club Atlas and Pachuca =in Mexico. He won the Rookie of the Year award with the MLS and was the year’s top defender in 2011. While with the Galaxy he won three titles, one in 2011, 2012 and one in 2014 and has earned Supporters’ Shields in 2010 and 2011. Coach of the TFC, Greg Vanney stated,

“He’s won championships everywhere he’s been essentially, so a good addition to our group. Another valuable experienced guy in the backline.”

Vanney also commented that Gonzalez makes solid professional decisions as a centre back. At 205 pounds and standing 6 foot five, the added height will add to Toronto’s defence. Toronto was in the perfect position to acquire Gonzalez due to the allocation process and how the leagues rules pertain to U.S. internationals, former players who are returning to the MLS and elite youth U.S. internationals.

Toronto was able to use monies targets for allocation to sign Gonzalez. The rules dictate that a club may use monies to resign existing players or to sign new players whose acquisition costs and salary exceed the $530,000 maximum salary budget charge.

During his last season with the MLS, Gonzalez had a salary of $1.45 million. Commenting on that cost, Ali Curtis added,

“Adding Omar will improve our team. He is a great competitor that will approach every training session and match with a high level of intensity. And, while he has won numerous trophies during his career on the club and international level, he is hungry to be part of championship team in Toronto. We were looking for a very specific profile of player. Omar’s a good guy. He will fit in well with the group, and he will be a welcome addition subject to passing a medical, to the locker-room and daily environment.”

The Toronto FC are scheduled to welcome the Sporting Kansas City on Friday. While Gonzalez will not be with the team for the upcoming game, placing bets in favour of the TFC with leading sportsbooks such as those advertising at betting.ca, is ideal as the news is expected to help motivate the team pending his eventual joining the roster.