Toronto FC announced today that the club has signed defender Rocco Romeo as a Homegrown Player. Romeo becomes the 21st player in club history to sign for the first team from the Toronto FC Academy.

“We’re excited to have Rocco on a first team contract. He gained valuable experience last year playing in Europe, with our USL team, and training at times with the first team. Rocco is a talented, strong, athletic young central defender with a competitive personality. His competitive personality is incredible. It’s also very important to the development of a young player, and it’s infectious, and we love it,” said Toronto FC General Manager Ali Curtis. “He strives to get better every single day, and we’re looking forward to working with him. And, it has to be noted that we are also very happy for Rocco’s family as they have supported him to get to this point, and in all ways.”

Romeo, 19, appeared in 10 matches for Toronto FC II during the 2019 USL One regular season. During the same season, he went on a short loan spell to HB Köge (Second Division, Denmark), where he made eight appearances.

Romeo made his professional debut for Toronto FC II when he came on as a substitute against Charlotte Independence on September 4, 2016. He originally signed with Toronto FC II on September 15, 2017, becoming the 28th player to sign from the Toronto FC Academy to a professional contract.

Romeo joined the TFC Academy in 2014, coming from Woodbridge S.C. Internationally, Romeo represented Canada at the 2018 Concacaf Men’s Under-20 Championship.

TRANSACTION: Toronto FC has signed defender Rocco Romeo as a Homegrown Player.

ROCCO ROMEO

Position: Defender

Height: 6’2

Weight: 162

Birthdate: March 25, 2000

Birthplace: Toronto, ON

Hometown: Toronto, ON

Nationality: Canadian

Last Club: Toronto FC II

How Acquired: Signed with Toronto FC