On Friday morning, the Montreal Impact traded Collen Warner to Toronto FC in exchange for Canadian international player Issey Nakajima-Farran and allocation money. Nakajima-Farran should bring some much-needed power to a muted offense, one which has only managed one win coming into Week 11. Meanwhile, Warner should shore up a Toronto midfield lacking in depth and looking for help with the departure of American midfielder Michael Bradley for the upcoming World Cup.
Nakajima-Farran, 30, began his professional career in Japan with Verdy Kawasaki’s junior youth squad. Upon a transfer to side Albirex Niigata Singapore, he earned the 2005 S. League Young Player of the Year award. His career includes successful efforts in Denmark, Australia, Cyprus, and Belgium before transferring to MLS side Toronto FC early this year. In five matches this season, Nakajima-Farran has scored two goals. He also has a history with the Canadian National Team, earning 30 caps and scoring one goal.
Warner, 25, grew up playing soccer in the United States through college and for several USL Premier Development sides. He was selected by Real Salt Lake in the first round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, but made his professional debut for the L.A. Galaxy that season; he was also loaned to AC St. Louis that year. He was then picked up by the Impact in the 2011 Expansion Draft. In 64 career starts (92 matches played) in MLS, Warner has one goal and six assists. He is known mainly for his play as a holding mid-fielder and is expected to play that role for TFC.
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