SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes have acquired forward Ayo Akinola on loan for the remainder of the 2023 season from Toronto FC in exchange for a 2023 international roster spot. Akinola will occupy a U22 Initiative roster spot through 2023, and San Jose retain the option to permanently purchase Akinola at the end of the loan to the Quakes through 2024.
“Ayo is a dynamic attacker with the strength, pace and finishing ability to impact any match,” said Earthquakes General Manager Chris Leitch. “Ayo has already made a mark in Major League Soccer, becoming the third youngest player in MLS to score a hat-trick in 2020. We are excited to welcome a player of Ayo’s caliber to San Jose while adding to the Quakes front line depth.”
Akinola, 23, originally signed with Toronto FC as a homegrown player in 2017 and has appeared in 78 matches across six seasons. He has scored 15 goals and notched two assists in his career with Toronto, including a career high nine goals in 2020. He has made 14 appearances this season. Last year, he appeared in a career high 26 games, with a career high 14 starts. He also played for TFC II in the USL in 2016 prior to joining the first team.
“I am really excited and happy to be joining the Earthquakes,” said forward Ayo Akinola. “San Jose’s coaching staff and GM have made me feel wanted, and it makes me want to go out there and compete for their winning culture.”
As an international, he made his debut with the U.S. National Team on Dec. 9, 2020 and scored a goal against El Salvador in a friendly. He also represented the United States at the youth national team level and appeared in five matches at the 2017 FIFA Under 17 World Cup. However, he announced in 2021 that he would make a one-time switch to represent Canada at the international level. He has now played in four matches with Canada, including one start. He made his debut with Canada at the 2021 Gold Cup and most recently played in the CONCACAF Nations League on March 28 in a 4-1 win over Honduras.
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – Earthquakes acquire F Ayo Akinola on loan through the 2023 season, with option to permanently purchase through 2024, in exchange for a 2023 international roster spot from Toronto FC. Akinola will occupy a U22 Initiative roster spot through 2023.
