Top Stories

Toronto FC pick up Morrow in trade with Earthquakes

MLSDB04062013135

Photo by David Bernal/ISIphotos.com

By FRANCO PANIZO

Toronto FC have bolstered their defense, acquiring left back Justin Morrow in a trade with the San Jose Earthquakes.

TFC and the Earthquakes completed a deal on Tuesday morning that saw the Reds send allocation money to San Jose in exchange for Morrow. The 26-year-old left back, who was an MLS All-Star in 2012, adds more quality and experience to a Toronto back line that is in need of help after demonstrating a tendency to concede late during Ryan Nelsen’s first year in charge in 2013.

“In Morrow, we are adding a young, All-Star caliber player to our back line,” said Toronto FC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko in a statement. “Justin’s steady presence, versatility and MLS experience make him a great addition to the club.”

Morrow spent the first four years of his career with the Earthquakes, who drafted him 28th overall in the second round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. He started 21 of the 26 games he played in during the 2013 campaign, adding one goal and two assists a year after a breakout season earned him an MLS All-Star selection and his first U.S. Men’s National Team cap.

Morrow joins Jackson and Gilberto as TFC acquisitions this winter.

—–

What do you think of TFC acquiring Morrow? How do you see him doing under Nelsen in 2014? Surprised to see the Earthquakes let him go?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. I’m bummed, we lost a player that could start or provide quality depth. He had a down year and lost his spot, but what do we do if Stewart goes down. Good lefties are not easy to find.

    Hopefully the money will be spent on a forward that can stretch a defense and/or a Valeri type ACM.

    Reply
  2. I complain about a lot when it comes to my TFC but I’ll give credit as this is a very good move. Morrow will be a steady presence and an improvement over Morgan who still needs time to develop himself.

    Look forward to see how they improve the right side.

    Reply
  3. MLS reports that Beita may be gone as well. Losing one was ok, but I’m not a fan of moving both. Call me pessimistic, but I’m nervous that Wolff and Co. will just sit on the wallet this year, then open it up for a middle of the road, likely over-the-hill “DP” publicity signing next year… Any news on that new team in Sac?

    Reply
  4. this is surely another financial move, as Justin got a big raise and then lost his spot. he is very quick and pretty versatile, but hard to justify a starter-level salary for a now backup LB. I do hate to see him go though.

    Here’s hoping the kid from Georgetown Mueller from is finally healthy and ready to contribute.

    Reply
  5. I hate this move. San Jose lost a significant player on their backline. Yes, he had an off year, but was still valuable off the bench.

    Reply
  6. I’m not going to start making any unfounded claims regarding TFC’s season next year but they seem to be making some interesting moves. Hopefully, for the sake of their fans, it’s going to amount to more than just simply signings for the sake of signing someone. Signings with a purpose is what this club needs. Good luck Toronto. The league wants to see you do well.

    Reply
  7. Justin had an off year and really lost his confidence, even prior to the acquisition of Jordan Stewart. However, a change of scenario may do him nicely…and we know he is blazing quick. We did not miss Opara this year, will see if it will be much the same with Morrow.

    Best of luck to him.

    Interested to see what the Quakes do in center mid, and if one of the Bash brothers finds a new home. Allocation $$$ usually means another move will follow.

    Reply

Leave a Comment