Toronto FC II announced today that the club has signed Canadian midfielders Themi Antonoglou, Antonio Carlini and Mehdi Essoussi to MLS NEXT Pro contracts. All three players will be added to the roster pending league and federation approval. In addition, TFC II announced nine players returning from its 2021 season.
“We are excited to bring Themi, Antonio and Mehdi back to the club and look forward to seeing their development as young professionals this season,” said Gianni Cimini, Toronto FC II Head Coach. "Themi provides versatility and we anticipate this being a critical year of growth for him. Antonio brings quantity and quality to our midfield after gaining a lot of experience and showing tremendous growth last year. Mehdi has the ability to dictate the rhythm with the ball and will be an integral part of the group, providing experience and leadership to this young group of players."
Antonoglou, 20, made 21 appearances and scored three goals in two seasons for Toronto FC II (2019, 2021). He was named to the USL League One Team of the Week (Week 7) after registering a game-winning assist against North Texas on May 22, 2021. He made his professional debut when he started against Richmond Kickers on August 17, 2019. Antonoglou originally joined the Toronto FC Academy in January 2015.
Carlini, 21, made 30 appearances and scored three goals in two seasons for Toronto FC II (2019, 2021). He led the Young Reds in game-winning goals (3) through the 2021 USL League One regular season. His game-winner against Richmond Kickers on August 15, 2019 earned USL1 Goal of the Week (Week 18) and Goal of the Month (August) honours and led to a USL League One Team of the Week (Week 18) selection. Carlini made his professional debut with the Young Reds when he started against South Georgia Tormenta FC on September 27, 2019. He originally joined the Toronto FC Academy in January 2017.
Essoussi, 21, made 21 appearances in two seasons for Toronto FC II (2019, 2021). He made his professional debut with the Young Reds as a substitute against Lansing Ignite on June 19, 2019. He originally joined the Toronto FC Academy in January 2017.
A total of 12 players are under MLS NEXT Pro contracts with TFC II, including nine players returning from last season: goalkeeper Andreas Vaikla, defenders Antony Curic, Kobe Franklin, Rohan Goulbourne, Matthew Medeiros, midfielders Julian Altobelli, Nakye Greenidge-Duncan, Steffen Yeates and forward Paul Rothrock.
Toronto FC II’s 2022 roster as it currently stands:
Goalkeepers (1): Andreas Vaikla
Defenders (4): Antony Curic, Kobe Franklin, Rohan Goulbourne, Matthew Medeiros
Midfielders (6): Julian Altobelli, Themi Antonoglou, Antonio Carlini, Mehdi Essoussi, Nakye Greenidge-Duncan, Steffen Yeates
Forwards (1): Paul Rothrock
TRANSACTION: Toronto FC II sign midfielders Themi Antonoglou, Antonio Carlini and Mehdi Essoussi to MLS NEXT Pro contracts.
THEMI ANTONOGLOU
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 130 lbs.
Birthdate: June 2, 2001 (Age – 20)
Birthplace: Toronto, ON
Nationality: Canadian
Last Club: Toronto FC Academy
ANTONIO CARLINI
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 142 lbs.
Birthdate: February 23, 2001 (Age – 21)
Birthplace: Ottawa, ON
Nationality: Canadian
Last Club: Toronto FC Academy
MEHDI ESSOUSSI
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 174 lbs.
Birthdate: February 28, 2001 (Age – 21)
Birthplace: Tunis, Tunisia
Nationality: Canadian
Last Club: Toronto FC Academy
