The following contracts were extended Adam Bouchard, Wesley Charpie, Skylar Thomas; midfielders Sal Bernal, Raheem Edwards and forward Molham Babouli. In addition, Anthony Osorio was signed to his first USL contract. Anthony is the brother of TFC starting midfielder Jonathon.
With the good comes the bad. The following contracts were declined: Daniel Fabrizi, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Emeka Ononye; midfielder Edwin Rivas and forward Massimo Mirabelli.
Kaye is the one that will jump out. He was as recently as this time last year being touted as a potential homegrown signing. However, CSN learned that the club views him as a left fullback (he was a midfielder at the academy) and that they told him that they play to address a lack of organizational depth at left-back in the draft or through a signing. As such, TFC told Kaye that he would likely spend a great deal of time on the bench in 2016 and that they felt that would be a waste of his potential.
Although he was told that the door was still open for him to return, those close to Kaye say that he felt it would be better to find a new club. He did so. Kaye will play for Louisville in 2016. It’s unclear whether TFC will maintain his MLS rights. Probably, though.
As for the rest of the released players Daniel Fabrizi, 23, was a CIS product that was always a borderline prospect. Emeka Ononye, 23, was brought in from KW United for a look but failed to get much time beyond more prominent draft picks. Edwin Rivas, 23, an American, was TFC’s second round (No 37) pick in the 2015 SuperDraft. A striker, he scored just one goal. Massimo Mirabelli, 24, spent time with FC Edmonton before coming to Toronto. He’s likely a victim of his age.
Of the returning players, Wesley Charpie, 23, Skylar Thomas, 22, and Sal Bernal, 23, are all TFC draft picks getting a second year. Of those three only Thomas is Canadian.
Adam Bouchard, 19, is a big defender that came to TFCA via Oakville Soccer Club. He’s an intriguing defensive prospect.
Mo Babouli is a player that most know by now. The 22-year old will likely get a long look in pre-season for a homegrown contract.
Raheem Edwards, 20, is one of the best League1 Ontario success stories so far. TFC discovered him playing against TFCA in the first season of L1O and now he’s a darkhorse to grab a homegrown contract this spring.