TORONTO – Toronto FC II announced on Thursday that the club has signed defender Lars Eckenrode to a USL contract.

“Lars has a great mentality and he’s demonstrated an eagerness to grow as a professional footballer,” said Toronto FC II Head Coach Jason Bent. “He is a player that has been very consistent throughout training and matches thus far and we are pleased to finalize this deal and have him at TFC II.”

Eckenrode, 21, was selected by the Reds in the fourth round (83rd Overall) during the 2017 MLS SuperDraft. Prior to being drafted, he spent four seasons at the University of Michigan. He appeared in 68 matches, registering one goal and two assists for the Wolverines. 

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During his collegiate career, Eckenrode was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team as a senior last fall, having previously been named to the Big Ten All-Rookie Team in 2013.