Toronto FC II announced Thursday that the club has acquired forward Ben Spencer on loan from Molde Fotballklubb (Molde FK) of the Norwegian Tippeligaen. As per team and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“At a relatively young age Ben has gained a variety of experience playing internationally and representing the United States in multiple youth tournaments” said Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “Ben has the opportunity to get meaningful games with Toronto FC II that will be beneficial to his continued development.”
Spencer, 20, most recently spent time on loan at Indy Eleven of the NASL (North American Soccer League) and made a combined 11 appearances scoring two goals in all competitions. He began his youth career at Real Salt Lake’s Development Academy at the Grande Sports Academy in Arizona in 2010-2011 season, where he scored 22 goals. He left the Real Salt Lake Grande Sports Academy during the 2011-12 season for the Chivas USA Development Academy. In December 2012, Spencer agreed to join Molde FK, where he made two appearances during the 2012-13 season. He made his professional debut as a substitute in a 4-0 win over Vålerenga on September 1, 2013.
Spencer has represented the United States Men’s nation team at the U18, U20 and U23 levels. With the U18’s Spencer made six appearances, scoring three goals. He represented the United States U20 team at the 2015 CONCACAF U20 Championship in Jamaica where he appeared in five matches, scoring two goals in the tournament and helped the United States qualify for the 2015 FIFA U20 World Cup in New Zealand. He also featured for the U20’s during their second place finish at the 2014 Dallas Cup, scoring three goals at the tournament. He scored two goals in the opening match, a 3-2 victory against River Plate, along with a first-half goal during their 3-2 double-overtime victory in the semi-finals against Fluminense. With the U23’s, Spencer appeared in one match as a substitute during a 3-0 loss to Brazil on October 14, 2014.