Toronto FC: Darius Madison Player Profile

By Khaled Abdallah | Jan 22, 2016

Dec 12, 2014; Cary, NC, USA; Virginia Cavaliers forward Darius Madison (9) controls the ball in front of UMBC Retrievers defender Marquez Fernandez (5)during the first half at Wake Med Soccer Park. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA Today /

Toronto Reds takes a closer look at Toronto FC’s fourth round pick Darius Madison

Philadelphia product Darius Madison was the 70th overall selection of the MLS SuperDraft and Toronto FC’s fourth round selection. Madison was the only non-midfielder selected by the Reds as he operates primarily as a forward.

Fourth round selections do not usually make the senior squad outright, as evidenced by Toronto’s selection last year Sal Bernal, but they have other ways of making an impression. Bernal for example signed for Toronto FC II, the club’s USL affiliate where he scored twice in 12 appearances for that squad.

That is likely the route Madison will have to take in order to make the first team but as of now he is a member of the first team so let us take a closer look at the youngster.

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Name: Darius Madison
School: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Position: Forward
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA

At LaSalle College HS in Philadelphia, Madison was a star for the Explorers and lead them to a league title in 2011. He was an All-State and All-League player as a senior and was selected by ESPN to participate in the High School All-American Game. After a stellar high school career and after spending time in the Philadelphia Union academy, Madison chose to enroll at the University of Virginia.

Madison spent the first three years of his college career at Virginia where he became a star for the Cavaliers. In his first season he was named to the All-ACC Freshman team and in his sophomore year was second on the team in scoring with six goals and was named Second-Team All-ACC. He was also named College Soccer News National Player of Week and ACC Player of Week as well as being included in the NCAA College Cup All-Tournament Team.

As a junior, Madison started 16 matches and scored four goals despite suffering an ankle injury that caused him to miss three games. Despite the injury Madison was named to the NCAA College Cup All-Tournament Team for the second year running. Madison was also part of the Virginia squad that won the 2014 NCAA Championship in dramatic fashion in a penalty shootout. The forward did not take a penalty but

After three years at Virginia, Madison transferred to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County for his senior season. It was reported that he was kicked off the Virginia team for a violation of team rules but he was snapped up by UMBC shortly after so it must not have been that serious of a transgression. Madison was limited to just 13 games for the Retrievers but he made the most of his chances by scoring six goals and notching three assists.

At 5′-8″ and 160lbs, Madison is not the most imposing figure on the field. He relies primarily on his pace to beat defenders and he is known for solid technical ability. The character issues are always a concern but clearly UMBC and Toronto FC did not think much of the dismissal and chose to put their faith in the youngster. TFC fans may have to wait a few seasons to get a glimpse of him in the first team but perhaps they can see his talents on display with TFC II in 2016.

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