TFC trio charged after brawl

HOUSTON, Texas, June 18, 2012 (AFP) - Three players from Toronto FC of Major League Soccer were arrested on charges of public intoxication on Monday after what police called a large early morning fight outside a Houston nightclub.

Miguel Aceval, a 29-year-old Chilean defender-midfielder, Luis Silva, a US 23-year-old midfielder, and 24-year-old Dutch forward Nick Soolsma were jailed after the incident in the parking lot of the Club Escobar, police said.

Police said the players refused to leave the scene and argued with police, one of them trying in vain to escape on foot.

"We are aware of the charges filed against Miguel Aceval, Luis Silva and Nick Soolsma in Houston," a statement from Toronto FC said.

"The players are presently with the team and we continue to investigate this matter. As such, the team will not provide any further comment at this time."

The incident took place ahead of Wednesday's MLS game between the host Houston Dynamo and Toronto, which has the worst record in MLS at 1-10.

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