March 15, 2024...Toronto FC II add trio of Academy products ahead of 2024 MLS Next Pro Opener (from torontofc.ca)

Toronto FC II add trio of Academy products ahead of 2024 MLS Next Pro Opener
Toronto FC Communications
Friday, Mar 15, 2024, 12:53 PM

Toronto FC II announced today that the club has signed forward Dékwon Barrow and midfielders Lucas Olguin and Andrei Dumitru to MLS NEXT Pro contracts. They will join the club’s roster pending league and federation approval.

“Dékwon will add an additional threat to our roster on the front line,” said Toronto FC II Head Coach Gianni Cimini. “He is aggressive in his mentality to attack the goal, good on the dribble and dynamic in his ability to get in behind the back line. We are excited to see what 2024 will bring for Dékwon in MLS NEXT Pro”.

Barrow, 20, made 12 appearances and scored two goals for Toronto FC II during the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season. He made his debut against Philadelphia Union II on April 23, 2023, and scored his first goal for the club against Inter Miami CF II on July 21, 2023. Prior to the Young Reds, the Toronto, Ontario native originally joined the Toronto FC Academy in January 2016 after spending seven years with York Jets and re-joined the Academy in August 2022 after spending time with North Toronto Soccer Club and Athletic Institute Football Club.

“Olguin’s combination of stamina, work rate and dribbling ability makes him a dynamic player who can influence the game in multiple ways, whether it’s through defensive solidity or midfield control,” said Toronto FC II Assistant Coach Marco Casalinuovo. “His presence on the team adds depth and versatility to the squad, providing the team with tactical options and flexibility in different match situations.”

Olguin, 18, registered two assists and logged 1802 minutes across 24 appearances for TFC II during the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season. He made his debut for the Young Reds against FC Cincinnati 2 on March 27, 2023, and registered his first assist for the club against Philadelphia Union II on September 8, 2023. The Vaughan, Ontario native originally joined the TFC Academy in February 2015 and represented the Academy across all age groups after spending four years with Glen Shields FC.

“Andrei has been a model player in our Academy for many years,” said Toronto FC Academy Director Anthony Capotosto. “His professionalism, willingness to improve and motivation is the standard to which all other Academy players must aspire. He is deserving of this opportunity, and we wish him well as he makes the transition to the professional game.”

Dumitru, 17, originally joined the Toronto FC Academy in October 2016 and represented the Academy across all age groups after spending four years playing with Futsal Club Toronto. Most recently, the North York, Ontario native helped the U-19 team post an undefeated (12-0-0) regular season record and become League1 Ontario Fall Division champions in November 2023. At the international level, Dumitru represented Canada at the 2023 Concacaf U-17 Championship, making five appearances at the tournament in Guatemala, including his first international start against United States U-17 in the tournament semi-final.

Toronto FC II kick off their 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season with three consecutive road games against Philadelphia Union II on Sunday, March 17, Chicago Fire FC II on Friday, March 22and Columbus Crew 2 on Sunday, April 7. The Young Reds will then host FC Cincinnati 2 on Sunday, April 14 in the club’s 2024 Home Opener at York Lions Stadium. 
TRANSACTION: Toronto FC II sign forward Dékwon Barrow and midfielders Lucas Olguin and Andrei Dumitru to MLS NEXT Pro contracts.

DÉKWON BARROW
Position: Forward
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 166 lbs.
Birthdate: January 16, 2004 (Age – 20)
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
Nationality: Canadian
Last Club: Toronto FC Academy

LUCAS OLGUIN
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 149 lbs.
Birthdate: September 26, 2005 (Age – 18)
Hometown: Vaughan, Ontario
Nationality: Canadian
Last Club: Toronto FC Academy

ANDREI DUMITRU
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 180 lbs.
Birthdate: October 28, 2006 (Age – 17)
Hometown: North York, Ontario
Nationality: Canadian
Last Club: Toronto FC Academy

TORONTO FC II ROSTER AS OF MARCH 15, 2024

With the newly signed Academy graduates, Toronto FC II now has 18 players signed to MLS NEXT Pro professional contracts entering the 2024 campaign.

Goalkeepers (3): Adisa De Rosario, Abraham Rodriguez, Shafique Wilson

Defenders (5): Antony Curic, Nathaniel Edwards, Kundai Mawoko, Lazar Stefanovic, Ythallo

Midfielders (7): Luca Accettola, Julian Altobelli, Matthew Catavolo, Markus Cimermancic, Andrei Dumitru, Mark Fisher, Lucas Olguin

Forwards (3): Dékwon Barrow, Jesus Batiz, Charlie Sharp

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