On Tuesday, Orlando City traded their first-round pick in the MLS SuperDraft to Atlanta United FC in exchange for Defender Donny Toia. Toia was acquired by Atlanta as their first pick in the MLS Expansion Draft, after Toia was left unprotected by the Montreal Impact.
Toia is an athletic fullback, who is a natural fit for Head Coach Jason Kreisâ team. Kreis is familiar with Toia, who came up through the Real Salt Lake Academy and was the first homegrown player signed by Salt Lake in 2011, when Kreis was head coach.
After being released by Real Salt Lake, Toia spent two years playing in the USL, first for FC Tucson and then for Phoenix FC. He returned to MLS in 2014, when he was signed by now-defunct MLS squad Chivas USA. He then spent the past two years playing with the Montreal Impact, during which time he made a combined 44 starts in 48 regular season appearances.
Toiaâs experience as a center-back has proven that he is a defense-first style player. This will help build the defensive mentality that Kreis is trying to build in the team, and will help solidify Orlando Cityâs back-four. During his time with Montreal, Toia made decisive tackles and blocks without drawing many fouls. He has also proven that he can help in the attacking third, with one goal and two assists during his time with Montreal. He brings with him plenty of MLS experience, including a total of four appearances in two postseason campaigns with Montreal.
As Jason Kreis prepares for the 2017 season, he is looking to bring in players that can help solidify his team mentality and make Orlando City an all-around better squad. Toia is the first step in developing that 2017 roster
