Toronto FC has decided to not pick up the options on the following players for the 2010 MLS season; forward Pablo Vitti, midfielder Lesly Fellinga, and midfielder Amado Guevara. December 31 marks the end of their contracts with Toronto FC.
“After sitting with Preki, and the rest of the coaching staff, we have decided this is the direction the club would like to go,” said director of soccer Mo Johnston. “This leaves all players free to negotiate new deals with other clubs outside of MLS. We wish them all the best of luck in the future.”
Toronto FC technical staff will travel to the MLS Combine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on January 8, before taking part in the MLS SuperDraft to be held in Philadelphia on January 14.
The team kicks off the 2010 MLS regular season on Saturday, March 27 against the Columbus Crew in Ohio.
Percovich Joins TFC
Toronto FC has hired Leo Percovich as assistant coach. Percovich arrives from Chivas USA where he was a member of their coaching staff as goalkeeper coach from January of 2008.
The club also said goodbye to team strength and conditioning coach Paul Winsper, who has opted to not renew his contract with Toronto FC, and has accepted a full time position with Nike in Portland, OR.
“Leo and Preki worked well together at Chivas, and like we said from the beginning when we hired Preki, if he wanted to bring his own guy in we would let him,” said director of soccer Mo Johnston. “I think Leo will mesh very well with the existing staff we have here.”
Percovich, 41 is a former Copa Libertadores and Uruguayan First Division champion. A native of Montevideo, Uruguay, he also served as goalkeeper coach with the Colorado Rapids (2006-2007) before joining Chivas USA. Percovich has trained under various coaches throughout Europe and Latin America, including time with club sides Real Madrid, Valencia, Stuttgart, Cruzeiro, and Pachuca as well as the national teams of Brazil, France, and Uruguay.
In his time as a player, Percovich made six appearances with the Uruguayan National Team during a professional career that saw him suit up for Nacional de Montevideo (1987-1993), Atletico Mineiro (1994), Guarani FC (1995), Fluminense FC (1995-1999), as well as Alianza de Lima in 2000 and Racing de Ferrot in 2001.
Winsper Departs
Winsper joined Toronto FC on January 11, 2008 after previously spending over 10 seasons with Newcastle United.
“We have mixed emotions about seeing Paul leave for Nike. He was a big part of this club and we will miss him tremendously, but the programs he instituted have left the club in a very good place and for that we are thankful,” said Johnston. “I know it was a difficult decision for him and we certainly wish him and his family all the best.”
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