Josh Yaro is getting a shot in MLS, the still promising centerback getting a look after two years out from the league.
A source tells FanSided’s MLS Multiplex that Yaro will be on trial with Toronto FC this preseason. Selected No. 2 overall in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by the Philadelphia Union, Yaro has played the last two seasons in the USL with San Antonio FC.
He made 23 appearances in three seasons for the Union along with 15 matches played for Bethlehem Steel in the USL. Yaro was released by Philadelphia in 2018.
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He played three years at Georgetown prior to signing a Generation Adidas deal with MLS and summarily getting drafted by the Union.
At 26-years old, he remains an intriguing prospect. After two solid seasons in the USL, he is a technically and tactically more developed player.
TFC needs some help at centerback and Yaro brings depth but also athleticism to the position. The fact that he qualifies as a domestic player in MLS also helps his candidacy to land a roster spot.
It has been an offseason of change in Toronto. Gone is head coach Greg Vanney, who is now with the LA Galaxy after winning the 2017 MLS Cup in Toronto. In 2018, he took the club to the CONCACAF Champions League final where they lost to Chivas on penalty kicks.
Taking over in Toronto is Chris Armas, the former New York Red Bulls head coach. He inherits a roster that has talent and experience but will need to add some youth and athleticism. A player like Yaro could certainly make a play for a significant role on the roster.
In his two-plus seasons with the Red Bulls, Armas did well with athletic centerbacks such as Aaron Long and Amro Tarek. Toronto represents Armas’ second head coaching job in MLS.