Toronto had just one pick in Thursday's MLS SuperDraft but walked away happy, taking Pitt defender Jackson Gilman in the second round.
Gilman played 75 games over four seasons with Pittsburgh, starting 74, recording two goals and seven assists. The five-foot-11, 174-pound senior from Schwenksville, Pa., captained the Panthers for three seasons.
“There's a lot to like here, honestly,” said Toronto technical director Sean Rubio. “Four-year player in a top program. Played as a starter on a team that reached the College Cup Final Four (NCAA) as a freshman. Being a captain since season two for such a big school, there's something to be said for that.
“For me, the football IQ is off the charts,” he added. “Just a very smart football player, makes really good decisions. He played all over the back line. I think he could potentially even play in midfield, although he hasn't done that recently.”
Rubio said time will tell which position Gilman, the 36th overall pick, is best suited for. He primarily played center back for Pitt.
“He may not fit the mold of a modern centerfielder in some ways, but he's been able to hold his own in the toughest conference in college football,” Rubio said. “I think he's a player who can help us in a few different positions.”
Toronto is expected to receive immediate help at center back, with US international Walker Zimmerman reportedly close to joining as a free agent.
Gilman, 21, was named to the 2022 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) All-Freshman Team and was named to the All-ACC Third Team in both 2023 and 2024.
Gilman played for Philadelphia Union Academy from 2016 to 2022 and played for Philadelphia Union II in 2021 and 2022.
TFC has history with Pitt, having taken linebacker Michael Sullivan in the second round (39th overall) in last year's draft. The two played together, and Sullivan gave a positive review.
In January, Toronto sent its first-round pick to Colorado to add Neil Emblen and Jace Kim to Robin Fraser's coaching staff. His third-round pick went to Dallas via Montreal, which acquired the pick in exchange for TFC allowing Malik Henry to sign to a first-team contract. Montreal selected Henry in the second round (39th overall) of the 2024 draft.
