OUTGOING: Colin Samuel and Andrew Boyens?

Rating: 4 (Good)

After MLSR received an email this afternoon regarding the rumor that both Colin Samuel and Andrew Boyens were released, we did a quick check with our source on nearly everything Toronto FC to find that that is in fact the case. It has not been made official yet but the players in question have been informed that they are no longer on the squad. This no doubt makes room as far as an international spot for Rohan Ricketts.

These recent moves beginning with the Laurent Robert and Amado Guevara transfers make the quality of the T-Dot midfield fairly high. They could be a contender for the playoffs after all add a star quality striker and a spot in the 2009 SuperLiga might not be out of the question.

3:25pm EDIT: And it is now official.

TORONTO FC SIGNS MIDFIELDER ROHAN RICKETTS, WAIVES SAMUEL

Toronto FC announced the signing of midfielder Rohan Ricketts after the Englishman was freed from his contractual obligations at Barnsley of the English Championship. As per team and league regulations no details of the contract were released.

“He’s come in here and impressed the coaches, and by getting him we’ve instantly added more quality depth for our team,” said manager Mo Johnston. “He possesses a great ability to get by players, and will be another exciting player for our fans to watch.”

Ricketts, 25, has made stops at a number of big name English clubs including Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Wolverhampton before signing with Barnsley in July of 2007.

The midfielder started his career at Arsenal, winning the FA Youth Cup with the team in both 2000 and 2001. He also made one appearance with the Gunners in the League Cup against Manchester United. When Ricketts made the move from Arsenal to Tottenham in 2002, he became just the fourth player to make the switch to the cross-London rivals at White Hart Lane.

Ricketts will be available for selection against the Los Angeles Galaxy on Sunday April 13th, pending the completion of his International Transfer Certificate

In a separate move Friday Toronto FC also announced that they have waived forward Collin Samuel due to personal matters.

“We are sad to see Sammy go,” said Johnston. “Obviously everyone knows what he brought to the team. We wish him nothing but the best of luck in his future career, and we thank him for contributing to Toronto FC.”

Samuel, 26, joined Toronto FC June 25, 2007 after playing out his contract with Scottish Premier League team Dundee United. He started all 19 games he played in, registering 1600 minutes, scoring three goals.