Month: March 2021

GENERAL MANAGER ALI CURTIS SIGNED TO CONTRACT EXTENSION

Toronto FC announced today that general manager Ali Curtis has been signed to a multi-year contract extension.

“We are thrilled to have Ali signed to a new contract,” said Toronto FC President Bill Manning. “I’m a big believer in stability and Ali has proved during his two seasons with the club that he’s a talented executive and a tireless worker. We have a great working relationship and I look forward to continuing our work to improve TFC in every way.”

During Curtis’ two seasons with TFC, the club has won an Eastern Conference title (2019) and finished second in the Supporters’ Shield race (2020). Included in his body of work, Curtis was instrumental in the signing of Designated Player Alejandro Pozuelo, the 2020 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player, and has overseen the signing of numerous TFC Academy players to first team contracts. He has also been a leading voice within Major League Soccer in its efforts towards greater diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“I am happy about extending my contract with Toronto FC,” Curtis said. “It’s a great club that resides in an incredible community. I am both honoured and appreciative of the support from ownership and MLSE Leadership and I can’t thank Bill Manning enough for his belief in me. I am excited about all of the work we have in front of us, in order to achieve our collective goals.”

Curtis joined Toronto FC after serving as sporting director for the New York Red Bulls. During his time with the Red Bulls, he oversaw the club win the 2015 MLS Supporters’ Shield and finish with the best record in the Eastern Conference in 2016. Curtis also helped establish NYRB II the club’s USL team to continue the development of players from the academy through to the first team. In the club’s second season, NYRB II captured both the Regular Season Title and the 2016 USL Cup.

Prior to joining the Red Bulls, Curtis worked in the MLS league office for eight years and held the position of senior director of player relations and competition. From 2004 to 2007, Curtis worked for JP Morgan as an analyst in its Chicago and Los Angeles offices. As a player, Curtis was awarded the M.A.C. Hermann Trophy as the top male collegiate soccer player in the United States in 1999. He also won the M.A.C. Player of the Year in 2000 and remains Duke University’s all-time leader in goals scored with 53. Curtis was drafted second overall in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft, where he played for the Tampa Bay Mutiny, D.C. United and Dallas through 2004.

-TORONTO FOOTBALL CLUB-