Major League Soccer (MLS) club Toronto FC announced the signing of former Florida Atlantic men's soccer midfielder Alonso Coello Camarero to a First Team contract for the rest of the 2023 season. Coello Camarero will also have a club option for 2024 and 2025.

The native of Madrid, Spain becomes the first former FAU men's soccer player to sign a first team MLS contract. Camarero was called up from Toronto FC II (the club's MLS NEXT Pro affiliate) on a short-term loan agreement on March 24. He made his MLS debut the next night when he was named to the starting eleven against San Jose. Camarero played all 90 minutes in his first match and came on as a substitute for the final 12 minutes in Toronto's next match last Saturday against Charlotte.

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Florida Atlantic Head Men's Soccer Coach Joey Worthen
"This is a big accomplishment for Alonso. When he got the call against San Jose he made the most of that opportunity and he's proven he can play in that league. I am so happy for him. All young players dream of getting an opportunity like this, but Alonso has put in the work to make that dream a reality. It speaks volumes about him as a player and as a person. He's also in the process of getting his master's degree and preparing to graduate this spring.

Toronto FC Head Coach and Sporting Director Bob Bradley
"Alonso is a talented and smart player, and we are excited to add him to the First Team. He was a key player for TFC II in the MLS NEXT Pro season. This year, he was integrated into the First Team during preseason and played two matches with us, demonstrating his technical quality and ability to find spaces between lines. We are looking forward to his continued development."

Worthen on what this means for FAU men's soccer
"It is monumental for FAU soccer to have our first player sign and play in the MLS. Alonso has set the example for all of our future players who share this same dream. I look forward to following his progress throughout his career and wish him the best of luck."

For the official signing announcement from Toronto FC visit https://www.torontofc.ca/news/toronto-fc-sign-midfielder-alonso-coello-camarero.

Next up for Camarero and Toronto FC is a trip to Nashville FC on Saturday night. Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. EST. All MLS matches can be viewed on Apple TV as part of the MLS Season Pass.