Orlando City SC signs defender Donny Toia to a three-year contract including options.
“Given he was in the last year of his contract, securing Donny to a new contract was an offseason priority for us,” Lions General Manager Niki Budalic said. “His experience, versatility and work ethic are important assets that will help solidify our backline. He’s come in and had an immediate impact and we look forward to his contributions over the long-term.”
Toia, 24, joined the Lions in December 2016 in an Expansion Day trade from Atlanta United FC. After Atlanta selected Toia with the first pick in the 2016 MLS Expansion Draft, Orlando City traded its natural 2017 SuperDraft first-round pick to acquire Toia. Before coming to Orlando, Toia made 71 starts and 79 regular and postseason appearances with Chivas USA and the Montreal Impact since his MLS debut in 2014.
Most recently, the versatile fullback, capable of playing both left and right back, started and played a full 90 minutes in the Lions’ season-opening win over New York City FC and Saturday’s victory against the Philadelphia Union. Lining up at left back, Toia showed excellent chemistry with Jonathan Spector, José Aja and Will Johnson on the back line.
Toia began his MLS career in 2011 when he became the first Homegrown player in Real Salt Lake history while current Lions coach Jason Kreis was with RSL. The Tuscon, Ariz., native also has appeared for the U.S. U-18 and U-20 national teams.
TRANSACTION: Orlando City SC signs defender Donny Toia to three-year contract including options.
Name: Donny Toia
Height: 5’8”
Weight: 161 lbs.
Birth Date: May 28, 1992
Birthplace: Tucson, Ariz.
Citizenship: USA
Article provided and written by Orlando City SC Communications.