Toronto FC announced Tuesday that the club has signed free agent defender Jason Hernandez. He will be added to the roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
“We are pleased to add another experienced, veteran defender in Jason Hernandez,” said Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “Jason is a player we have watched for some time. With his experience in MLS including the playoffs and his familiarity with some of our current players we felt he would be a welcomed addition to our club.”
Hernandez, 33, joins Toronto FC after spending the past two seasons with New York City FC; his option was declined at the conclusion of the 2016 season. This year will mark his 13th season in Major League Soccer having previously played for MetroStars, Chivas USA, San Jose Earthquakes and New York City FC. In 12 seasons, Hernandez has made a combined 285 appearances in MLS Regular Season and MLS Cup Playoffs amongst the previous four teams. Hernandez spent the majority of his career with San Jose, highlighted by winning the 2012 MLS Supporters' Shield alongside current Toronto FC players Justin Morrow and Steven Beitashour. Hernandez was selected in the first round (6th overall) in the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft by the MetroStars. At the conclusion of his rookie season he was traded to Chivas USA where he played for two seasons. Hernandez was selected by San Jose in the 2007 MLS Expansion Draft. He would leave the Earthquakes eight seasons later via the same method he was acquired as NYCFC selected him in the 2014 MLS Expansion Draft.
Hernandez has earned three caps with the Puerto Rican national team during his career. He is eligible to play for Puerto Rico through his parents who were born there. He made his debut on March 30, 2016 in a Caribbean Cup qualification match against Guyana. His most recent cap came on October 12, 2016 against Curacao in Caribbean Cup qualification.
TRANSACTION: Toronto FC sign defender Jason Hernandez
JASON HERNANDEZ - #12
Position: Defender
Height: 5’10
Weight: 170 lbs
Birthdate: August 26, 1983 (Age – 33)
Birth Place: New York, NY
Nationality: American
Last Club: New York City FC
Pronunciation: “HUR-NAN-DEZ”
