Toronto FC announced Friday that they have acquired defender Andy Iro and midfielder Leandre Griffit from the Columbus Crew in exchange for midfielder Tony Tchani.



"We needed help on defence and Andy is a defender that we have wanted to bring in for some time," said Toronto FC Head Coach and Technical Director Aron Winter. "After our deals yesterday we felt we could move a central midfielder of value to acquire an important piece. Leandre also provides us depth in the midfield.”



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Iro, 26, is currently in his fourth season in MLS, all with Columbus Crew. The England native was drafted 6th overall by Columbus in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. This season, Iro has played 178 minutes for the Crew. He has scored five career goals and was part of Columbus’ 2008 MLS Cup win and back-to-back Supporter Shields in 2008 and 2009. He played his college career at UC Santa Barbara and won the 2006 NCAA Men’s National Championship.



Griffit, 27, is in his second season in MLS both with the Crew. His career began with Amiens SC of France before moving to Southampton in England. After two seasons at Southampton with two loan spells, Griffit moved to IF Elfsborg in Sweden. After three seasons in Sweden he returned to England with Crystal Palace and left the club after a short stay. Griffit had a tryout with Houston Dynamo but went on to sign for Columbus in April 2010.



Andy Iro

Position: Defender

Height: 6’5

Weight: 205

Birthdate: November 26, 1984

Birth Place/Hometown: Liverpool, England

Nationality: British

Last Club: Columbus Crew

How Acquired: Acquired in trade with Columbus on Friday July 15, 2011

Pronunciation: “I-ro”



Leandre Griffit

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5’8

Weight: 155

Birthdate: May 21, 1984

Birth Place/Hometown: Maubeuge, France

Nationality: French

Last Club: Columbus Crew

How Acquired: Acquired in trade with Columbus on Friday July 15, 2011

Pronunciation: “Lee-andrew Griff-ee”