Photo: Jonathan Osorio scores a cracking goal versus Orlando in preseason.
Toronto FC announced Friday the club has signed forwards Ashton Bennett and Taylor Morgan and midfielder Jonathan Osorio.
Bennett, 24, was originally selected in the first round of the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft from Coastal Carolina. He was born in Clarendon, Jamaica but holds Canadian residency. In two seasons with the Chanticleers, Bennett made 47 appearances scoring 39 goals to go with 16 assists. He was named a NSCAA First Team All-American both seasons.
Morgan, 22, was originally selected in the fourth round by the club in the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft out of George Mason University. In three seasons with the Patriots, Morgan appeared in 50 games, scoring 23 goals and added seven assists.
Osorio, 20, began training with the KIA Toronto FC Academy in September 2012 and was invited to train with the First Team this preseason. Prior to training with the Academy, Osorio played in the Canadian Soccer League (CSL) last season with SC Toronto. He has also played for Club National de Uruguay. When he was 18 years old he made his debut in the Canadian National youth program and represented Canada at the 2011 CONCACAF U-20 Championship in Guatemala.
“We're excited to add this young talent to our group at Toronto FC,” said Toronto FC President and General Manager Kevin Payne. “Each of these players earned their spot in preseason and we look forward to each contributing to a successful season.”
All three players joined the team in Toronto for the start of preseason and traveled with the club to Orlando.
Ashton Bennett #26
Position: Forward
Height: 5’7
Weight: 167
Birthdate: September 8, 1988
Birth Place: Clarendon, Jamaica
Hometown: Clarendon, Jamaica
Nationality: Jamaican (Holds Canadian Residency)
Last Club: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers
How Acquired: Drafted in the first round of the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft by Toronto FC/ Signed with Toronto FC on Friday, March 1, 2013
Pronunciation: “ash-ton ben-it”
Taylor Morgan #28
Position: Forward
Height: 6’5
Weight: 180
Birthdate: October 21, 1990
Birth Place: Southampton, England
Hometown: Southampton, England
Nationality: British
Last Club: George Mason Patriots
How Acquired: Drafted in the fourth round of the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft by Toronto FC/ Signed with Toronto FC on Friday, March 1, 2013
Pronunciation: “Tay-lor More-gan”
Jonathan Osorio #21
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’9
Weight: 160
Birthdate: June 12, 1992
Birth Place: Toronto, Ontario
Hometown: Brampton, Ontario
Nationality: Canadian
Last Club: SC Toronto
How Acquired: Signed with Toronto FC on Friday, March 1, 2013
Pronunciation: “John-athan O-sar-ee-o”
