Reds Head To Magic Kingdom
Photo: Joao Plata tends to some fan commitments before departing Monday.
TORONTO – Toronto FC players, coaches and some first team staff traveled to Orlando on Monday to continue its preseason preparations. The Reds will be there for nearly three weeks, taking part in the 2012 Walt Disney World Pro Soccer Classic. The annual event takes place at Walt Disney World's ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Head coach Aron Winter released the list of 33 players that left from BMO Field on Monday, consisting of four goalkeepers, nine defenders, 13 midfielders, and seven forwards.
|
Video: Reds depart | Birthday shower | Thursday: Eckersley |
Seven of nine Academy players that started at camp made the trip, with defender Brandon John and forward Tristan Jackman staying back to train with the youth squad. First team players Dicoy Williams and Nicholas Lindsay remain at home due to long term injuries. Jeremy Hall, who trained away from the first team last week, also stayed back in Toronto.
The youngest player in camp is Academy forward Jordan Hamilton at just 15-years and 11 months.
Toronto will start the Disney Classic on February 25 versus Orlando City, then taking on BK Hacken of Sweden three days later and ending the group stage against MLS-rival FC Dallas on March 1. Top team in the group will play in the final, while second place side will compete in the consolation match, both taking place on March 3.
Major League Soccer has confirmed that fans will be able to watch the group matches live via MLSsoccer.com. Here's a taste!
Orlando squad list
GK – *Chad Bush (A), Stefan Frei, Milos Kocic, *Quillan Roberts (A)
DF – Miguel Aceval, Geovanny Caicedo, *Adrian Cann, Richard Eckersley, Ty Harden, *Doneil Henry, Aaron Maund (SD), *Ashtone Morgan, *Tyler Pasher (A)
MF – Eric Avila, Elbekay Bouchiba, Efrain Burgos, Jr. (SD), *Sergio Camargo (A), *Jay Chapman (A), *Oscar Cordon, *Julian de Guzman, *Terry Dunfield, Torsten Frings, Michael Green (S), Reggie Lambe, Luis Silva (SD), *Matt Stinson
FW – *Jordan Hamilton (A), Ryan Johnson, Danny Koevermans, *Keith Makubuya, Nick Soolsma, Joao Plata, *Stefan Vukovic (A)
A – Academy
SD – SuperDraft pick
S – Supplemental Draft pick
* – Canadian or local player
Discuss this with Asif on Twitter