Toronto FC announced today that the club signed free-agent defender Shane O’Neill through 2024.

“I am so excited by this opportunity to compete for one of the top clubs in North America,” said defender O’Neill. “The multi-cultural aspect of this city and its fans will be amazing to get to know and represent. I can’t wait to throw everything we have as a team into winning and competing for championships.”

O'Neill, 28, joins TFC after most recently playing for the Seattle Sounders, where he spent the last two seasons. Born in Ireland but raised in Colorado, O’Neill made a combined 56 appearances and registered two goals (MLS regular season, MLS Playoffs, Concacaf Champions League and Leagues Cup) for Seattle. Before joining the Sounders, O’Neill played in MLS for Orlando City (2018) and the Colorado Rapids (2012-2015). Additionally, O'Neill went to Europe on August 7, 2015, when he signed with Apollon Limassol (Cypriot sports club), and spent time on loan with NAC Breda (Second Division, Netherlands) and Cambridge United (League One of the Third Division of the English Premier League) before moving to the Dutch club Excelsior (Second Division, Netherlands) for the 2017-2018 season.

“Shane is an experienced central defender with an excellent team mentality,” said Bob Bradley, Toronto FC head coach and sporting director, “I have great respect for his competitiveness and work ethic. He has continued to improve throughout his career and we are excited to bring him to TFC.” 

O’Neill originally signed as a Homegrown Player for the Colorado Rapids on June 19, 2012, and made his professional debut against Portland Timbers on September 5. He made 58 appearances during the four seasons he spent with the Rapids (2012-2015).

TRANSACTION: Toronto FC signs free-agent defender Shane O’Neill through 2024.

SHANE O’NEILL

Position: Defender

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 190 Lbs.

Birthdate: September 2, 1993 (Age – 28) 

Birthplace: Midleton, Cork, Ireland

Nationality: American

Last Club: Seattle Sounders FC