TFC's Shaffelburg called up by Canada for World Cup qualifiers

What a week it’s been for Toronto FC winger Jacob Shaffelburg.

The Canadian youngster put in a man-of-the-match performance in Wednesday’s 3-2 home win over FC Cincinnati, further cementing his status as a starter for the club after spending much of this MLS season toiling on the bench. With his driving runs, boundless energy and dynamic play in the final third, Shaffelburg has breathed new life in TFC’s attack at a time when it’s been missing Jozy Altidore and Alejandro Pozuelo.

Shaffelburg, a 21-year-old native of Nova Scotia, has easily been TFC’s best player for the past month or so. His effort against Cincinnati, in which he scored and set up two goals, means he has now scored or assisted on six of Toronto's last nine goals (scoring twice).

His bristling form hasn't gone unnoticed by Canadian men’s team coach John Herdman, who on Friday named the winger to his 27-man roster for this month’s trio of World Cup qualifying matches. Other TFC players selected for international duty were midfielder Jonathan Osorio and wingback Richie Laryea.