Toronto FC has signed Toronto FC II defender Jackson Gilman to a Major League Soccer contract through the 2026 season with club options through the 2027-28 season.
The 22-year-old defender joins the first team after receiving four short-term agreements this season and made two appearances for the club, one in MLS and one in the Canadian Championship, including his MLS debut against Charlotte FC last Saturday. Players can only be called up four times, so the team had to either sign him to a first team contract or let him spend the rest of the year with Toronto FC II.
Gilman had his first MLS goal called off in the Charlotte game for an alleged foul in the buildup against Jonathan Osorio, which Fraser was not pleased about after the match.
He was selected 36th overall by TFC in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft after spending four seasons at the University of Pittsburgh, making 75 appearances. He impressed during Toronto’s preseason in Spain this winter before making the jump to the pro game with TFC II.
“We are pleased to elevate Jackson to the First Team,” said Toronto FC general manager Jason Hernandez. “Jackson has continued to grow in our environment, starting with his time earlier this year in preseason with the first team, all the way through to his first MLS start this past weekend. His mentality, positional versatility, and desire to improve are all great characteristics we value at the club, and we look forward to the ongoing work together.”
With a number of injuries to first team defenders, Gilman will have opportunities to play, including against the Chicago Fire on Saturday evening. He can play at centre-back or at fullback, offering important versatility to head coach Robin Fraser.