The following is a press release from Toronto FC
TORONTO FC ACQUIRES CLINT IRWIN FROM COLORADO
Toronto FC announced Monday that the club has acquired goalkeeper Clint Irwin from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for targeted allocation money (TAM), the club’s highest 2016 third round MLS SuperDraft pick and a conditional 2017 first round MLS SuperDraft pick. As per club and league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Improving our defence has been a stated priority for our club this offseason. Bringing in Clint helps to solidify our defensive group, and with Clint on board we are confident in our collection of goalkeepers across the first team and TFC2,” said Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “We are very excited about what Clint will add to our group and look forward to his quick transition into our team, which is aided by his familiarity with Drew in Colorado.”
Irwin, 26, joins Toronto FC after spending the past three seasons with the Colorado Rapids. With Colorado, Irwin made a combined 92 appearances with a 30-39-23 record and registered 25 clean sheets across MLS league play, MLS Cup playoffs and the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Irwin was also named to the 2015 AT&T MLS All-Star game roster. He was originally on trial with the New England Revolution during the 2011 preseason. After his trial, he went on to play professional soccer in Ottawa with Capital City F.C. and then in the U.S. with the Charlotte Eagles in USL PRO in 2012. Irwin signed with Colorado following a preseason trial with the Rapids on February 21, 2013.
Prior to his professional career, Irwin played his collegiate soccer at Elon University. During his time with the Phoenix, he was named first-team All-Southern Conference in each of his four seasons. He holds the school record with 22 career shutouts and set a single-season record with 10 clean sheets in 2009. Irwin was a two-time All-South Region honouree and a finalist for the senior class award for activities of achievement in community, classroom, character and competition. He was also an All-America selection and National Player of the Year in the National Christian School Athletic Association.
CLINT IRWIN
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6’3
Weight: 195
Birthdate: April 1, 1989
Birth Place: Charlotte, NC
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Nationality: American
Last Club: Colorado Rapids
How Acquired: Trade with Colorado Rapids on Monday January 18, 2016
Pronunciation: “CL-INT ER-WIN”
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The Toronto FC GK situation becomes clearer with the acquisition of all-star Clint Irwin. After Joe Bendik was traded, and Chris Konopka was not re-signed, the goalkeeper situation was left unclear. Last year’s first round draft pick, Alex Bono, will be in contention to be the backup this season.
