Toronto FC had the week off from MLS play to hopefully regroup and right the ship after a horrid 0-8 start. So with no game last week, it’s the perfect time for another installment of “Get to Know Your TFC Players.” Featured in the segment this week is nineteen year old midfielder and graduate of the Toronto FC Youth Academy, Matt Stinson.
Stinson appeared in thirteen games with the club in 2011, starting five games at the age of eighteen. Stinson has appeared in just one game so far this season, starting in the team’s 3-2 home loss to the Chicago Fire. Despite the loss, Stinson registered two shots as well as an assist before being subbed off in favour of Luis Silva in the 68th minute.
Stinson signed with the First Team on March 17, 2011. He was captain of the Toronto FC Academy team before leaving to attend Winthrop University in South Carolina. At Winthrop, Stinson was named the Team MVP and earned All-Big South Conference Second Team honours. He was a member of the Clarkson Comets before joining the Academy in 2008. Stinson earned his first call to the Canadian National Team on November 3, 2011 but could not play during World Cup qualifiers due to injury. He has represented Canada at the U-20 level in the past.” (Courtesy of Toronto FC).
It is safe to say the youngster has a very bright future in front of him at both club and national levels. Here’s a glimpse at the future Canadian International off the pitch:
Alex Moretto (AM): What’s one thing you do better than anyone else?
Matt Stinson (MS): Ping Pong.
AM: What would you pick for your final meal ever?
MS: Cesar Salad and Eggs.
AM: What’s your favourite thing about your hometown (Leskovac, Serbia)?
MS: The downtown atmosphere.
AM: Who would you pick to play you in a movie about your life?
MS: (laughs) Matt Damon.
AM: What is your favourite word in the English language?
MS: Happy (laughs).
AM: If you could go back in time, where would you go and why?
MS: You mean go back and know what I know now? Fifty years ago and win the lottery or something like that.
AM: What’s the most star struck you’ve ever been?
MS: I don’t really get star struck to be honest.
AM: What movie have you seen more than any others?
MS: Spirit.
AM: What’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever said to you?
MS: “Would you kiss my baby?” (Laughs).
Stinson, along with former TFC Academy teammates Oscar Cordon, Doneil Henry, Nicholas Lindsay, Keith Makubuya and Ashton Morgan, is part of a youth movement taking place in Toronto, leaving fans with plenty to be excited about moving forward.
(image courtesy of torontofc.ca)
