Toronto FC announced Friday that the club has loaned goalkeeper Alex Bono, defender Mark Bloom, midfielder Chris Mannella and forward Mo Babouli to Toronto FC II of the United Soccer League (USL). Per the Right of Recall incorporated in all four loan agreements, Toronto FC retains the right to recall the players at any point during the MLS regular season, subject to MLS roster compliance guidelines.
“We are all excited for Toronto FC II to kick off their second season this weekend in New York,” said Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “With the first team on a bye week, we feel this will be a great benefit for our players to get some meaningful match minutes this weekend.”
Bono, 21, is currently in his second season with Toronto FC. Last season, Bono split time between Toronto FC and Toronto FC II. With Toronto FC, he was named to the 18-man squad once. While on loan with Toronto FC II, he appeared in 12 matches, starting in 10, earning a record of 2-8-0 and registered one clean sheet. He earned his first professional clean sheet on March 28, 2015 against FC Montreal and made his professional debut for Toronto FC II on March 21, 2015 against the Charleston Battery.
Bloom, 28, is currently in his fourth season with Toronto FC. He missed majority of the 2015 season due to an injury. He has appeared in 35 combined matches (MLS league play, Amway Canadian Championship) registering two assists.
Mannella, 21, is currently in his third season with Toronto FC. He signed with Toronto FC on September 15, 2014, becoming the tenth player in club history to sign for the first team from the Academy. Last season, Mannella split time between Toronto FC and Toronto FC II. With Toronto FC, he was named to the 18-man squad 10 times (nine MLS matches, one Amway Canadian Championship match). While on loan with Toronto FC II, he was named the first captain in club history, appearing in 16 matches, starting in 15 and registered one goal. He registered his first professional goal on August 12, 2015 against FC Montreal and made his professional debut for Toronto FC II on March 21, 2015 against the Charleston Battery.
Babouli, 23, is currently in his first season with Toronto FC. He signed with Toronto FC on March 6, 2016, becoming the 12th player in club history to sign for the first team from the Academy. Babouli made his Toronto FC debut coming on as a substitute this past weekend against Sporting Kansas City. Last season with Toronto FC II, Babouli appeared in 20 matches, starting in 18, registering four goals and four assists. He registered his first professional goal on March 21, 2015 against the Charleston Battery and made his professional debut that same match for the young Reds. He was also named to the USL Team of the Week for Weeks 1 and 2.
Toronto FC II is scheduled to play 15 regular season home matches at the Ontario Soccer Centre in Vaughan. Season seats are on sale now for $120. For further details, visit www.tfc2.ca or call (416)-360-GOAL (4625).
TRANSACTION: Toronto FC has loaned goalkeeper Alex Bono, defender Mark Bloom, midfielder Chris Mannella and forward Mo Babouli to Toronto FC II of the United Soccer League (USL) on Friday, March 25, 2016. Per the Right of Recall incorporated in all four loan agreements, Toronto FC retains the right to recall the players at any point during the MLS regular season, subject to MLS roster compliance guidelines.
