Alonso Coello overcomes 'sophomore jinx' for Toronto FC

Alonso Coello is quietly having a strong season for himself.  

After cutting his teeth with TFC 2 in MLS NEXT Pro, the Spanish midfielder was signed to a senior team contract by Toronto FC in 2023 and he didn’t disappoint in his rookie season. Coello made 21 league appearances (17 starts) in MLS, winning plaudits for his mature and poised performances on the pitch.  

Things have gone even better in 2024 for the Madrid-born midfielder. Coello has already made more appearances (22) and starts (18), and logged more minutes (1,344) than he did all of last year. His second MLS campaign also saw him record two assists (double his output from last season) and score his first goal in a 2-1 home loss to Nashville SC on June 19.  

On top of all of that, he firmly established his spot in John Herdman’s starting 11 right from the beginning, despite his relative lack of experience and with the club being in a transitional season. Herdman has shown great trust in Coello, and the 24-year-old has repaid that faith by being one of the Reds' most reliable and consistent performers this year.