Toronto FC signs Canadian int'l striker Gerba

In a deal that was somewhat expected, Toronto FC has announced the signing of Canadian striker Ali Gerba, formerly of MK Dons of the English Championship.

"We are very happy to get Ali in here and under contract," said director of soccer Mo Johnston in a press release. "Ali is a very strong player, he's quick, he's got an eye for goal and he's someone that will help us down the stretch. We've tried to get him in here before -- and he's shown a real desire to play here, so we're looking forward to getting him on the pitch with the rest of the squad."

Last season with MK Dons, Gerba scored 10 goals in only 24 matches. Prior to signing with the Dons, Gerba played for numerous sides in Canada and Europe, but most notably was his time spent with the Toronto Lynx from 2002 to '05, where he left as the team's all-time leading scoring with a combined 24 tallies.

A regular on the Canadian national team, Gerba, 26, has made 23 appearances, scoring 11 goals. He'll join fellow Canadian teammate Dwayne De Rosario among others on TFC's roster.