Several Years Competing with Toronto FC for This Player
• Statistical comparison of his 2023 season versus his 2024 season
• His contract ends in December 2024, and we’ll see if it gets renewed
By Oscar Cortes
One of the most experienced players at Toronto FC is finishing a very important season for both his career and the team. In the 2024 MLS season, Toronto FC was competing at the highest level, with high expectations of making it to the playoffs again.
The arrival of head coach John Herdman raised hopes, as fans wanted to see Toronto FC regain its greatness after several years of failing in tournaments. Unfortunately, the team’s results did not meet those expectations, but on an individual level, several players, including Shane O'Neill, achieved positive statistics in their careers.
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Shane O'Neill’s Performance with Toronto FC in 2024
This 31-year-old player, born in Ireland but now a U.S. national, had a solid season with Toronto FC. He is a veteran player who completed his third season with the team, making him one of the longest-serving players for the club.
Toronto FC has become the team where Shane O'Neill has played the most matches in his career. In his third season with the team, O'Neill played over 1,200 minutes, featuring in around 24 matches. He was a reliable presence in each competition Toronto FC participated in, including the Leagues Cup, Canadian Championship, and MLS.
When compared to the previous year, O'Neill played nine more matches in 2024 than he did in 2023. This increase in playing time reflects the trust that coach John Herdman placed in him. Statistically, O'Neill completed 82% of his passes throughout the season, which is an impressive figure for a central defender. He looked very comfortable with Toronto FC, always trying to give his best and reach top form as a starter.
However, in terms of tackling, O'Neill completed 64% of his tackles successfully, showing that while he remained a solid and secure defender, this percentage dropped from the previous season. This decline suggests that as time goes on, O'Neill’s leadership and experience have become more prominent than his physical abilities. It remains to be seen whether Shane O'Neill will continue with Toronto FC next season, as his contract is set to expire in December 2024. There is a strong possibility that he may leave the team.