Toronto signs U.S. forward Casey
"Adding new players is always exciting and in Conor we're also adding experience," said Toronto head coach Mo Johnston. "He's a striker that adds a different flavor. We are strong up front and Conor is a good blend with our other guys -- (Edson) Buddle, Abbe (Ibrahim) and (Alecko) Eskandarian."
After playing for the University of Portland for one year, Casey departed for Germany and joined Borussia Dortmund's amateur side, where he scored twice in 10 appearances. He was then loaned to Hannover 96 during the 2001/2002 season and helped that club win promotion to Germany's top division by scoring seven goals in 19 appearances.
Casey, 25, was loaned out again in 2003/2004, joining Bundesliga II side Karlsruhe SC. He scored 14 goals in 30 games after missing the majority of the previous season through injury. Casey helped Karlsruhe avoid relegation by scoring a crucial goal on the last day of the season.
In June of 2004, Casey became the most expensive player to join Mainz to date, going for a transfer fee of 400,000 euros.
His strong play in one of the top leagues in Europe earned the attention of then U.S. national team head coach Bruce Arena, who gave Casey his first cap on March 31, 2004 against Poland. In all, Casey has made eight appearances for the senior team. The Colorado native was also a member of the U.S. Olympic (U-23) team.
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
