By THE CANADIAN PRESS – 2 hours ago
TORONTO — Toronto FC added to its attack Tuesday by signing Canadian international forward Ali Gerba.
The 26-year-old from Montreal won’t be able to play for Toronto until the MLS transfer window opens July 15, however.
«We are very happy to get Ali in here and under contract,» Mo Johnston, Toronto’s director of soccer, said in a statement. «Ali is a very strong player, he’s quick, he’s got an eye for goal and he’s someone that will help us down the stretch. We’ve tried to get him in here before and he’s shown a real desire to play here, so we’re looking forward to getting him on the pitch with the rest of the squad.»
Gerba played most recently for Milton Keynes Dons of England’s League One side. He had 10 goals In 24 appearances since signing in August 2008.
He has also had stints with the Toronto Lynx, Montreal Impact, Pittsburgh Riverhounds, Miami Fusion, and GIF Sundsvall, IFK Goteborg, Odd Grenland B.K., AC Horsens in 2007 and FC Ingolstadt in Europe.
He has 11 goals in 23 appearances for Canada and has been named to the Gold Cup roster for next month’s CONCACAF championship.
Toronto (5-5-4) has 19 goals in 14 games, tied for seventh in scoring in the 15-team league.
Gerba joins an attack that includes Danny Dichio, Chad Barrett and Pablo Vitti. Canadian rookie O’Brian White is recovering from a knee injury.
NOTES – Toronto FC will host the Puerto Rico Islanders on July 28 in the preliminary round of in the CONCACAF Champions League. The return match will be Aug. 4 in Puerto Rico, CONCACAF announced Tuesday.
The eight preliminary-round winners advance to the group stage, which will begin the week of Aug. 17.
Toronto qualified for the tournament by winning the Nutrilite Canadian Championship.
