Toronto FC's defensive overhaul moved significantly forward Wednesday with the signing of veteran free agent Drew Moor.
The 11-year MLS centre back, who had spent the last six-plus seasons in Colorado, will be tasked with reinforcing a Toronto defence that gave up a league-worst 58 goals in 2015.
In acquiring the 31-year-old Moor, Toronto hopes to have found the defensive lynchpin that has been missing since the retirement of Steven Caldwell, who now works on the corporate side for Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.
"He's a winner, he's a veteran defender. He has very strong leadership qualities," said GM Tim Bezbatchenko.
"We saw that Drew could be a key piece in the puzzle as we looked to solidify our backline," he added.
The Rapids finished last in the Western Conference last season with a 9-15-10 record but only conceded 43 goals, 15 fewer than Toronto (15-15-4).
Bezbatchenko remains on the lookout for a veteran goalkeeper and a right back, with fullback Steven Beitashour reportedly linked to Toronto. The Vancouver Whitecaps elected not to pick up the option of the 28-year-old Iranian international, who made US$197,167 this year.
Moor earned $270,500 last season, his third as Rapids captain. The second signing in the league's first-ever free agent class after Justin Mapp (Sporting Kansas City), he is restricted to a 15 per cent raise from Toronto under the collective bargaining agreement.
Bezbatchenko now has a glut of defenders, some with big-ticket salaries.
Polish international Damien Perquis ($372,500 last season), Moroccan international Ahmed Kantari ($345,000), Josh Williams ($125,000) and Eriq Zavaleta ($115,600) all saw time at centre back last season. TFC also has Nick Hagglund and Clement Simonin (both at $60,000).
"We're still exploring out options, not just at centre back but at all our positions," said Bezbatchenko. "I don't think we're done in this off-season by any means."
Toronto does not have to be roster-compliant until March 1.
The Rapids, whom Moor said made him a "very, very good offer" including a chance to stay on after his playing days, were generous in their tribute to their former skipper.
Colorado president Tim Hinchey called Moor "a great player, great captain and great ambassador."
"You don't release legends, you just wish them well and we will welcome him back to Dick's Sporting Goods Park when the time is right," he said in a release.
Moor said he was drawn by Toronto's facilities, championship aspirations and desire to be "a club of choice." But he acknowledged that he and his wife, who are expecting their first child, found it hard to leave Colorado
"We felt that the Toronto FC opportunity was just too good to pass up," he said.
At six foot and 165 pounds, Moor is not a big defender but he is known for organizing the defence -- something was lacking last season in Toronto.
Perquis, while talented, occasionally has Hulk-like emotions on the pitch. Kantari failed to make a mark in his short time in Toronto. Williams and Zavaleta are steady squad players while Hagglund and Simonin are ones for the future.
Centre back is Moor's preferred position but the Dallas native, who has won five U.S. caps, can play fullback.
Moor also brings MLS experience. And apart from a serious knee injury in August 2014, he has been extremely durable.
In 2011, he set a league record among field players by playing the full 90 minutes in 69 consecutive regular season matches. A year later, he became the only field player in the league to play every minute of the regular season.
Drafted by FC Dallas in 2005, Moor has played in 304 regular-season and 12 playoff games over his career.
