Toronto FC announced Wednesday that it has signed Toronto FC Academy forward Nicholas Lindsay to a professional contract. Lindsay becomes the second home grown player to sign with Toronto after defender Doneil Henry signed last month. Lindsay fills the final roster spot available for these players and will not count against the 24-man roster. He is currently travelling with the club while they are on the road for three games in nine days.
“We are very happy to have Nicholas onboard and it’s a clear indication that our Academy staff is doing the right things with these athletes, said interim director of soccer, Earl Cochrane. “ He has grown in every facet of the game in the last year and we are excited by the prospect of him training on a daily basis with the first team. In many ways Nicholas is the ideal MLS player – incredibly athletic, quick, strong, and confident and has a great head on his shoulders. I’m convinced he will be a big part of Toronto FC’s short and long-term future.”
“Nicholas is a player that has joined in with the first team on numerous occasions already,” said interim head coach Nick Dasovic. “He’s shown a lot of promise in games against Vancouver and Bolton when he’s been called up. He’s a player that has a lot of pace and can strike the ball with both feet. We look forward to having him aboard full time.”
Lindsay, 18, has made two appearances already for the first team this season. The forward made his debut against the Vancouver Whitecaps in the Nutrilite Canadian Championship on June 2nd coming on as a substitute in the second half. He also was subbed in during the club's friendly match against Bolton Wanderers on July 21st. Lindsay made perhaps his biggest statement as an Academy standout when he scored a hat-trick against famed Chilean giants Colo-Colo in a Friendly back in June.
Lindsay has previously represented Canada in the Danone Nations Cup back in 2004, and has been the recipient of several MVP honours as part of his various club teams that include the Brampton Blast, and Brampton East. The forward was also a member of the Ontario provincial team.
