Toronto FC Sees Debut Impact & roster Shifts Ahead of Transfer Window Close
Toronto, ON - August 22, 2024 – Toronto FC experienced a flurry of activity this past week, highlighted by impactful debuts from new acquisitions and significant roster adjustments as the MLS secondary Transfer Window nears it’s close. A stunning debut goal from Jules-Anthony Vilsaint and strong performances from fellow newcomers signal a potential shift in momentum for the Reds.
vilsaint, acquired from CF Montréal on August 13th in exchange for midfielder matty Longstaff and up to $275,000 in General Allocation Money, wasted no time making his mark. Brought on as a 75th-minute substitute on Saturday, the 22-year-old Montreal native scored the equalizer with his second touch, earning him Man of the Match honors. His goal is now the fastest scored by a player in their Toronto FC debut,surpassing Justin Braun’s previous record of 13 minutes set in 2013. Vilsaint previously recorded three goals and five assists in 45 appearances across all competitions during his three seasons with CF Montréal.
The game also marked the club debut of Djordje Mihailovic, who led the team with four chances created. Both Mihailovic and Malik Henry recorded their first assists for Toronto FC on a game-tying goal.
Beyond the on-field impact of new players, TFC has been actively reshaping its roster. honduran midfielder Deybi Flores was transferred to Al-Najma SC of the Saudi Pro League on August 20th for an undisclosed fee. Flores made a combined 58 appearances for Toronto FC over two seasons (2024-2025) as joining the club in January 2024, scoring his first goal against FC Cincinnati on May 25, 2024. He also boasts 56 caps with the Honduras National Team, recently contributing to their semifinal run in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.
To further adjust its roster, Toronto FC secured $350,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) by trading 2025 International Roster Slots to Inter Miami CF and the New York Red Bulls.This move demonstrates the club’s strategic maneuvering within the league’s roster rules.
Simultaneously occurring,veteran midfielder Derrick Etienne Jr. is approaching a milestone, with his next appearance marking his 50th for the club. Etienne Jr. debuted for TFC against Orlando city SC on april 27,2024,and has already featured in nineteen MLS matches during the 2025 season. He has five goals and five assists in 49 matches across all competitions for Toronto FC. Notably, Etienne Jr. previously spent two seasons (2023-2024) with Atlanta United, where he registered two assists in 27 appearances.
The MLS Secondary Transfer Window is set to close on Thursday, August 21st, signaling the end of this period of significant roster activity for Toronto FC. The club will look to build on the positive contributions of its new players as it navigates the remainder of the season.
