Toronto FC announced Friday that the club has signed 11-year-old forward Murphy Malone to a one day contract. Malone joins Toronto FC after spending time with Farmington FC in Cheshire, Connecticut. Malone will take part in training today, in advance of his first Toronto FC match against Seattle Sounders FC at BMO Field on Saturday, July 2 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

“We are pleased to add Murphy Malone to our roster,” said Toronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “Murphy’s experience, dedication and love for soccer and Toronto FC are truly inspiring and we believe he will make a great addition to our team.”

His love for soccer and Toronto FC has been an instrumental part of Murphy’s road to recovery after multiple heart surgeries to correct his diagnoses of Transposition of the great arteries, which is a congenital heart defect that results in his heart not oxygenating properly. Through his hard work and fighting spirit, he has improved his stamina allowing him to return to the soccer field.

While in the hospital, Murphy always wore his Toronto FC shirt and hat. When he wasn’t wearing his TFC gear, it was on his back or hanging above his bed. He is one year into saving for a two week soccer camp in Barcelona, Spain at the famous Camp Nou. He currently has saved enough for one week. Murphy and his brother spend hours returning hundreds of bottles each week at the local store to bringing him closer to achieving his dream journey.

TRANSACTION: Toronto FC signs forward Murphy Malone to a one day contract on Friday, July 1, 2016

MURPHY MALONE #26

Position: Forward

Height: 4’10

Weight: 70 lbs

Birthdate: September 13, 2004

Birth Place: Cheshire, Connecticut

Nationality: American

Last Club: Farmington FC

How Acquired: Signed a one day contract with Toronto FC on Friday, July 1, 2016

Pronunciation: “MUR-FEE MEL-OWN”