Catalano Inks Short-Term Deal With TFC2

We’d reported that Gianluca Catalano had been training with Toronto FC while seeking out a permanent return to the professional level, and the 23-year has now carved out a golden opportunity to impress club brass.

The former Canada U-17 goalkeeper has signed a short-term deal with Toronto FC II, who will retain an option to exercise on Catalano for the 2023 and 2024 MLS NEXT Pro seasons.

Catalano made waves this summer after an impressive performance against CF Montreal in the Canadian Championship, with the six-foot-one shotstopper producing several sharp saves despite the two-nil defeat.

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He now formally returns to the club where he began his professional career five years ago: back in 2018, he made five appearances for Toronto FC II before leaving for the University of Connecticut and, more recently, featured for both Vaughan Azzurri and York United in 2022.

Catalano helped the Vaughan Azzurri to an undefeated championship-winning season last year, while also filling in as an emergency goalkeeper for York United and featuring in one match against FC Edmonton.

Gianluca has made four league appearances for Vaughan this season, splitting starting duties whilst training for Toronto FC.

The Major League Soccer side had to call upon backup goalkeeper Greg Ranjitsingh while its two main choices are away for the Gold Cup, with TFC2 goalkeeper Luka Gavran appearing on the bench.

This shift in personnel opens an opportunity for Gianluca, who will contest for a starting opportunity against Adisa De Rosario in the meantime.

Catalano and Toronto FC will take on the New England Revolution II tonight at 8:00PM EST.