Toronto FC trade promising defender Luca Petrasso for General Allocation Money

Toronto FC announced on Wednesday that they have traded Luca Petrasso to Orlando City SC. In exchange, they will receive a guaranteed $300,000 in General Allocation Money for next season.

TFC has the potential for a further $50,000 in both 2024 and 2025, depending on Petrasso reaching certain performance-based targets. In addition, they retain a sell-on percentage if the defender moves again by way of a permanent transfer.

The Reds are focused on fixing their defence ahead of next season. These past two regular seasons saw TFC set and then equal an unwanted franchise record by allowing 66 goals.

Petrasso would appear to be a casualty of the aim to revamp the back line. However, there is still some surprise that Toronto FC have decided to part company with the promising defender.

Ontario-born Luca Petrasso is moving on after just one season with the Toronto FC first team, after being traded to Orlando City SC in exchange for General Allocation Money worth up to $400,000.

The 22-year-old has been with TFC since joining their academy in 2013. He rose through the playing ranks, culminating in signing a two-year contract with the senior side ahead of the 2022 season.

At the time, Petrasso was the 27th player in Toronto FC history to sign with the first team from the academy. His further with his home-town club looked promising.

In this respect, the Toronto native got off to a good start, notching an assist during his MLS debut. He recorded another two assists later on in March versus D.C. United, in the process being named to the Week 4 MLS Team of the Week.

However, after being a regular starter during the first several months of the season, Petrasso hardly played. In this respect, the signs were probably there that he was not a player head coach and sporting director Bob Bradley perceived as one of his main options long-term.

Versatile experience

In all, Petrasso played 23 regular season games for Toronto FC in 2022 -- starting 21 of them -- and added fours assists. He made 27 appearances overall and won the belated 2020 Canadian Championship.

While mainly featuring as a left back for Bradley, Petrasso can also play in midfield. He has some international experience after making three appearances for the Canadian Under-17 National Team in 2017.

Prior to signing for the first team, Petrasso played 63 games for TFC II and scored three goals. He also made 20 appearance for TFC III, scoring an impressive nine goals in the process.

It is a shame that Petrasso had to move on, after working so hard to make it into the first team in Toronto. However, you get the feeling we haven't heard the last of him and Orlando City could well prove to be the beneficiaries.

What is your opinion of how Petrasso performed this past season for Toronto FC? Do you agree with the decision to trade him or not, and why? Let us know in the comments section below.