Only four clubs gave up more goals than Toronto FC in 2014, and the club made a move on Monday to address its backline troubles.
TFC announced the signing of 30-year-old French-Polish center back Damien Perquis, who most recently played for Real Betis in the Spanish second division and reportedly terminated his contract with the club on Jan. 19 to clear the way for the jump to MLS.
Born and raised in France, Perquis represents Poland internationally and played all 270 minutes of the country's campaign at Euro 2012, which it co-hosted with Ukraine.
Perquis joins a TFC defensive corps that currently features central defenders Steven Caldwell and second-year player Nick Hagglund. Fill-in center back Bradley Orr and Toronto academy product Doneil Henry departed the club at the end of the 2014 season.
“Damien’s signing addresses an area we wanted to improve upon this offseason. His experience and leadership both at club and international level will be a welcomed addition to our team,” Toronto FC GM Tim Bezbatchenko said in a club statement. “Damien has a great defensive sense and will provide an upside on the ball with his strong distribution from the back. We are very excited to bring him to Toronto FC.”
Perquis began his pro career in France with Troyes, Saint-Etienne and Sochaux before heading to Spain and Real Betis for the 2012-13 European season.
After receiving Polish citizenship in Jan. 2011, Perquis made his international debut for Poland on Sept. 6 of the same year and has earned a total of 13 caps, scoring one goal against Slovakia on May 26, 2012 in the run-up to that year's UEFA European Championship.
