Toronto FC announced Tuesday that defender Eriq Zavaleta has re-signed with the reigning MLS Cup champions.

“Since joining Toronto FC, Eriq has developed into a core member of this team as well as a leader both on and off the field,” said Toronto FC Sr. Vice-President, Soccer Operations & General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “He has been an important part of our club for the past few years and we are happy to ensure he is back this season as we defend our championships.”

Zavaleta, 25, made 36 combined appearances (MLS regular season, Canadian Championship and MLS Cup playoffs) with one goal, helping Toronto FC become the first team in league history to win “The Treble” (MLS Cup, MLS Supporters’ Shield and Canadian Championship) last season. Zavaleta enters his sixth season in MLS and fourth with Toronto FC. In that time, he has made a combined 95 appearances (MLS league and MLS Cup playoffs) with two goals and two assists.

Zavaleta was originally acquired in a trade with Seattle Sounders FC on January 26, 2015.

ERIQ ZAVALETA

Position: Defender

Height: 6’1

Weight: 185 lbs

Birthdate: August 2, 1992 (age 25)

Birth Place: Westfield, IN

Hometown: Westfield, IN

Nationality: American

Last Club: Toronto FC

How Acquired: Re-signed with Toronto FC

Pronunciation: “Eric Zav-ah-let-ah”