Toronto FC reacquires Irwin in trade with Atlanta
Toronto FC has reacquired Clint Irwin after losing the starting goalkeeper to Atlanta United in the MLS Expansion Draft earlier Tuesday, sending defender Mark Bloom and general allocation money to Gerardo Martino's side in exchange.
Irwin was selected by Atlanta with its third of five picks in the Expansion Draft, leaving Toronto FC without its preferred No. 1. But, the two parties quickly struck a deal to see Irwin remain with the Reds in 2017.
That feeling when you're staying in Toronto... pic.twitter.com/pU0KuCOdBl
— Clint Irwin (@ClintIrwin) December 13, 2016
“Our hope was to not lose anyone in the expansion draft," Toronto FC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko said in a club-issued statement.
"No matter how you work your protected list, due to the depth of our roster we knew it was a possibility and we had to prepare accordingly. We are pleased to have Clint back and wish Mark and his family all the best in his home town of Atlanta and thank him for his four years of contributions to the club.”
Bloom, a native of Atlanta, now has a chance now to earn a starting spot with the expansion side, having lost his role behind Steven Beitashour with Toronto in 2016.