Robbie Findley Released by Toronto FC

Robbie Findley has been released by the team, per Sportsnet.

It was a move that we should’ve seen coming. Robbie Findley, after just one season and 25 games with the club, has been released. This news comes from John Molinaro of Sportsnet:

Since I've been asked, Robbie Findley no longer with the team. He cleared re-entry. But am told #TFC won't bring him back at less $.
— John Molinaro (@JohnMolinaro) February 10, 2016

There is lots of speculation as to why it happened, but one of the problems with the club heading into training camp was that they might have been over budget. Findley, a pick in the 2014 Re-Entry Draft, was making $255,500 against the cap. He was paid more money than some of the team’s bigger contributors such as Justin Morrow, Jonathan Osorio, and Benoit Cheyrou.

Findley’s release now leaves the team with 34 players in the organization, 26 of which are in the senior team:

By my count 34 players with #TFC. 26 senior players, 4 draft picks and 4 USL guys.
— John Molinaro (@JohnMolinaro) February 10, 2016

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Findley only contributed two goals last season, one of which came in his first game, and hasn’t played a minute of preseason. It was thought that one of Toronto’s weaknesses was along the wings, so it was a bit of a surprise that they let a natural winger go. However, we have seen players like Tsubasa Endoh and Jay Chapman impress in preseason, and the team decided to invest in the future rather than in a 30-year-old.

Even Daniel Lovitz impressed with some nice link-up play with Giovinco from the fullback position:

Next: Toronto FC: Mo Babouli and Tsubasa Endoh Impress in Preseason

In short, this was the right move to make financially and from a footballing perspective. It’s always sad to see a player go, but more players have stepped up and it was a move that was done with short-term and long-term aspirations in mind. Findley is a talented player who has been around the MLS for a while, so teams shouldn’t miss the opportunity to pick him up on a flyer. However, his loss shouldn’t hurt the Reds’ chances.