Toronto FC trades defender/midfielder Warren Creavalle to Philadelphia

Toronto FC hosts Sporting Kansas City on Saturday afternoon at BMO Field.

Gomez, 33, arrives in Toronto after spending six seasons in Mexico where he played for Puebla, Pachuca, Tecos, Santos Laguna, Tijuana and UANL.

Before heading for Mexico in 2010, Gomez spent time with Kansas City, Colorado, and Los Angeles, where he began his MLS career in 2002. Toronto had to acquire Gomez’s rights from Sporting KC, his last MLS club way back in 2009.

A second-round pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft was sent to Toronto FC in exchange.

Kevin Kinkead also notes that Toronto will eat some of Creavalle’s salary, which stands at a reasonable $119,000, according to the MLS Players Union. “He’s a victor, he’s won championships in both MLS and in the Mexican league”.

The forward joins an already-loaded Toronto side that features former U.S. teammates Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley. Centre back Damie Perquis, signed at the start of the season, has become more and more of a liability as the campaign has progressed, while the jury is still out on newcomer Ahmed Kantari. The Union (6-13-4) are coming off a hard loss to the New York Red Bulls and need those three valuable points in order to have any shot at a playoff spot. “It will be a difficult road game.” said head coach Jim Curtin as final preparations were under way for the Union’s first trip south. “To go there and get points will be special”.

Fullback Ashtone Morgan is also healthy again after an adductor strain.

Acquired in July 2014 in a trade with the Houston Dynamo, the 24-year-old Creavalle made 15 league appearances for Toronto with two goals. He saw action in 26 games in all competitions.

“Warren’s versatility will be a great addition to our group”, Union technical director Chris Albright said in the team’s official release.

But the club never really found a home for him.

– With files from Dhiren Mahiban.