Toronto FC: 6 things to know about new goalkeeper Tomas Romero

Stage One of the 2022 MLS Re-Entry Draft took place on Thursday afternoon. Toronto FC ended up being among the headlines of the first stage, as one of three clubs who selected players.

As per TFC's communications department, the Reds picked Tomas Romero. Earlier this week, his former club LAFC confirmed that they had declined his contract option for next year.

As we wrote recently, Toronto FC are aiming to revamp their back-line after a disastrous defensive season. This past campaign, they equaled an unwanted club record of allowing 66 regular season goals.

This revamp includes strengthening the goalkeeper position, with only Greg Ranjitsingh under contract for 2023. In this respect, here are six things to know about Romero:

Getting to know more about El Salvador international goalkeeper Tomas Romero, who Toronto FC selected on Thursday in Stage One of the 2022 MLS Re-Entry Draft.

1) Romero spent just one season in college during 2019, but helped Georgetown University win their first ever national title. He secured the title by making the game-winning penalty save against Virginia.

2) As per Tom Bogert of mlssoccer.com, Romero made 17 appearances for the Philadelphia Union's USL Championship affiliate. LAFC then acquired his homegrown rights in January 2021 for $50,000 in General Allocation Money.

3) The 21-year-old signed his first MLS professional contract with LAFC in February 2021. He made his MLS debut versus FC Dallas and went on to keep a clean sheet in a 2-0 win.

4) In total, Romero appeared in 18 MLS games -- all starts -- for LAFC during the 2021 campaign. He kept four clean sheets and made 34 saves in total.

5) In May 2021, Romero rejected a call up from El Salvador's senior team in order to retain his eligibility to play for the United States Men's National Team. However, he eventually decided to accept a subsequent invitation from El Salvador and made his international senior debut for them in November of the same year.

6) TFC Head Coach and Sporting Director Bob Bradley shared his thoughts on the addition of Romero. As per torontofc.ca, Bradley said:

"We are excited to welcome Tomás to Toronto FC. Mike Sorber and I had the opportunity to work with him in Los Angeles in 2021 and we are looking forward to bringing him into camp and continuing that work."

Stage Two of the 2022 MLS Re-Entry Draft will take place on Tuesday Nov. 22, at 1 pm ET. There are three Toronto FC players eligible for the draft, including Ifunanyachi Achara (option), Nobel Okello (out of contract) and Quentin Westberg (out of contract).

What is your take on the selection of Romero? More generally speaking, how confident are you in Toronto FC strengthening the goalkeeper position in time for the 2023 season? Let us know in the comments section below.