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U.S. international Terrence Boyd’s days in Toronto appear numbered

Jul 25, 2019 | 6:50 PM

TORONTO — It appears striker Terrence Boyd’s days with Toronto FC are over.

The 28-year-old U.S. international has seen just 339 minutes of MLS action with Toronto this season in 11 appearances including three starts. He has no goals.

Amidst reports that Boyd’s contract is being terminated by mutual consent, a Toronto source confirmed the club is working with Boyd and his agent “to find a mutual solution.”

Boyd joined the MLS club in early February after spending the last three seasons with SV Darmstadt 98 in the German second tier. He had five goals and two assists in 44 appearances there.

The timing of his Toronto arrival was unfortunate, in that it came just days after star forward Sebastian Giovinco got his wish and was sold to Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal. Club officials stressed Boyd was not a replacement, seeing him more as a depth piece.

Still Toronto GM Ali Curtis called him “an experienced attacking player that is capable of scoring goals in MLS.”

Boyd also had something to say on the matter.

“First of all, I’m not Giovinco. I’m not capable of what he can do,” he said in meeting Toronto reporters. “I’m a guy who just throws himself into every tackle. I just try to sacrifice myself for the team.”

Boyd’s debut did not go well. He skied a penalty over the bar in a CONCACAF Champions League game in Panama against Club Atletico Independiente.

He has seen limited action since, failing to make an impression in his short time on the field.

Boyd was born in Bremen, Germany, to a German mother and U.S. father, a soldier who was stationed there. Apart from one year in the U.S., he grew up in Germany.

Boyd began his career with Hertha BSC’s reserve squad in 2009. Two years later he signed with Borussia Dortmund, spending one season with its reserve side.

Ahead of the 2012 season, Boyd signed with Austrian club Rapid Vienna where he flourished. He made 80 appearances in three seasons, scoring 37 goals and adding 11 assists in all competitions. He was sold to RB Leipzig in the summer of 2014 before joining Darmstadt.

Former Toronto captain Torsten Frings, then SV Darmstadt 98 manager, brought him to the club.

He has won 14 caps for the U.S., appearing most recently as a substitute in an October 2016 friendly against New Zealand.

Toronto’s No. 1 striker is Jozy Altidore, with Boyd, Ayo Akinola and the newly acquired Patrick Mullins in reserve.

Boyd is making US$213,833 this season, according to the MLS Players Association.

 

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Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press