November 22, 2006 Toronto FC signs free-agents Adam Braz, Chris Pozniak, and Marco Reda (from Toronto FC Media Relations)
11/22/2006 11:00AM
Toronto FC sign three Canadian players
Team also introduces midfielder O'Brien acquired in trade
Toronto FC Media Relations
Toronto FC announced Wednesday they have signed three free agent defenders Adam Braz, Chris Pozniak, and Marco Reda to multi-year contracts. Per team policy, financial details were not disclosed.
"We're excited with our Canadian signings. Adam, Chris, and Marco are all versatile players, with international experience. They will make fantastic additions to our team," said Head Coach Mo Johnston.
Braz, 25, possessed the best defensive record in four consecutive seasons with the Montreal Impact of the United Soccer League. In 2006, he was part of a defensive unit that allowed 15 goals in 28 games. A Montreal native, Braz was a member of Canada's U-20 team from 1998 to 2002. He made his debut with the Men's National Team January 18, 2004 versus Barbados.
Pozniak, 25, joined the United Soccer League's Toronto Lynx in 1999, and went on to represent Canada at the 2001 World Youth Championships in Argentina and at the Francophone Games in Ottawa. He is one of only two members of the past U-20 team to have played in the 1998 CONCACAF U-20 Qualifying Tournament for the 1999 World Youth Championships.
Reda, 25, represented Canada at the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championships, and continued to develop his skills playing for Canada's U-23 team in Olympic qualifying during 1999. He made his debut with the National Team February 9, 2005 versus Northern Ireland (1:0).
Joining the free agents was newly acquired Irish midfielder Ronnie O'Brien. O'Brien was traded to Toronto from FC Dallas for midfielder Adrian Serioux and a 2007 second round draft pick.
O'Brien, 27, played with the Ireland U-18, U-19 and U-21 National Teams winning the European Championship with the U-18 side. On the domestic scene, O'Brien is a two-time Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star, and was named to the MLS Best XI for the first time in 2004, and again in 2005.
"We believe Ronnie is the best right footed player in the league," said Johnston. "He is an exceptional player and we worked hard to acquire him."
Toronto FC will be Major League Soccer's 13th team and the first outside the United States. Toronto FC will begin play next spring at BMO Field's 20,000 seat stadium at Exhibition Place.
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