EDMONTON, AB. (August 7, 2019) – On the final day of the Canadian transfer window, veteran MLS midfielder, Tony Tchani, signed with FC Edmonton. In mid-July, Jeff Paulus, Head Coach for the Eddies, had told Last Word on Soccer he intended on signing another player soon.

Veteran MLS midfielder, Tony Tchani, signs with FC Edmonton

In a press release on Wednesday, FC Edmonton announced the transaction – pending a medical and ITC clearance.

Playing in MLS

Tony Tchani played in the MLS from 2010 to 2018, registering 15 goals in 212 regular season matches, plus one goal in ten playoff matches. Of those 212 regular season matches, Tchani started in 178 matches.

He averaged just shy of 75 minutes of playing time per game over his MLS career. Taking a look at minutes played in games he started, Tchani has shown he can play a full 90-minutes on a regular basis.

The midfielder was selected second overall in the 2010 MLS Super Draft by the New York Red Bulls.

Tchani spent most of his time with Columbus Crew from 2011 to 2017. Book-ending his time in Columbus was stints in Canada. Tchani played 13 games with Toronto FC in 2011, and 27 matches with Vancouver Whitecaps in 2017.

Chicago Fire and release

In 2018, Tchani moved to Chicago Fire where he played 13 matches before being waived by the team. In fact, Tchani’s signing with the Eddies comes two days short of a year from his departure from the Fire.

Prior to his departure from the Fire, Tchani scored his final MLS goal on July 7, 2018, against the Vancouver White Caps. He was subbed on for 12 minutes and managed to score Chicago’s only goal of the game.

Tchani to give a boost in Fall Season

At 6’4”, the 30-year-old will add a strong presence to the Eddies’ midfield. With FC Edmonton only having 13 games to go in the Fall Season, they are currently in fourth. Despite being in fourth they are only two points behind Forge FC and Cavalry FC, although, Cavalry has a game-in-hand.

In the press release, Paulus said, “Tony is a player that will bring us incredible experience down the stretch.” Paulus’ expectations are that Tchani will “add a veteran presence to our roster and has the ability to dominate midfield and keep us in possession of the ball.”

How soon will Tchani be ready?

The question will be how soon will Tchani be game ready? This Saturday, FC Edmonton plays Pacific FC at home. Perhaps that will be too soon to see him play, but Tchani would certainly be a welcomed addition next week when they head south for Al Classico to play Cavalry FC at Spruce Meadows. So far this year, Cavalry has had the Eddies’ number. Will Tchani be the key to unlocking the Eddies’ offence against Cavalry?

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