Trinidad & Tobago prospect Aikim Andrews to join Toronto FC for preseason

Toronto FC have invited Trinidad & Tobago prospect Aikim Andrews to train with them during their 2017 preseason in California and Florida.

Andrews’ current club, five-time TT Pro League champions W Connection, revealed the news on their Twitter account on Friday.

“Ever since I started playing professionally, playing abroad has been my dream,” Andrews said. “When I got the opportunity to trial the first time I gave it my all. I had a shoulder injury and came home to have surgery to correct it being told that I’ll return when I’m fully recovered.

“Now I’m 100% and stronger than before, so I’m ready to show the coach and the rest of the staff how much I want to be there and represent the club the best way that I can.”

That sounds like Andrews has trialled with TFC previously, though if so it was not publicized.

The 20-year-old attacking midfielder is building a solid resume for himself in his home country, earning three caps for the senior national team and also playing for W Connection in the CONCACAF Champions League both this season and last. He would probably find himself in a similar situation to what I expect for Sergio Camargo, playing mostly for TFC II while getting a look here and there with the big club, should he sign on for 2017.

It would not be the first time the Reds have done business with W Connection. As recently as August they took defender Triston Hodge on loan for the remainder of the year, with the 22-year-old appearing exclusively for TFC II. He has since returned to his parent club.