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MLS Toronto FC

Toronto FC Acquires Dike, First Round Pick and Allocation Money from Portland

September 9, 2013 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Toronto FC News Release


Toronto FC announced Monday that the club has acquired Nigerian International forward Bright Dike, a natural 2015 MLS SuperDraft first round pick and allocation money from the Portland Timbers in exchange for forward Maximiliano Urruti and an international roster spot for the remainder of the 2013 season.

"We received an offer from Portland that we could simply not pass on. We feel good about the return we're getting and it made sense for both clubs," said Toronto FC Head Coach Ryan Nelsen. "We'd like to welcome Bright Dike to Toronto FC and wish Maximiliano all the best."

Dike, 26, is currently in his third season in Major League Soccer (MLS) and has appeared in 23 league matches, scoring six goals for the Portland Timbers. Dike, was originally selected in the first round (12th overall) in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by the Columbus Crew. He left the Crew to sign with the Portland Timbers of the USSF Division Two Professional League and spent the 2010 season with the club. He became one of the Timbers first signings ahead of the club's inaugural MLS season in 2011.

Prior to his professional career, Dike played his collegiate soccer at the University of Notre Dame. He played in 86 matches for the Fighting Irish and led the team and the Big East Conference in scoring both in his junior and senior years.

Dike has earned one cap for the Nigerian national team. It came during a friendly match against Venezuela on November 14, 2012. Dike is eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents, who are natives of Nigeria.

Urruti, 22, was acquired on August 16, 2013 and made two substitute appearances for Toronto FC.

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