It’s official: Onstad joins TFC as head scout By Steven Sandor Posted on January 22, 2013 1 0 779 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Toronto FC keeps boosting its Canadian content, Just days after drafting two local products, Kyle Bekker and Emery Welshman, in the MLS SuperDraft, TFC confirmed the rumoured addition of former Canadian national-team keeper Pat Onstad to the club’s staff. Like TFC president Kevin Payne, Onstad leaves the D.C. United organization to join the Reds. Onstad, who was a two-time MLS goalkeeper of the year and a three-time MLS Cup winner with the San Jose Earthquakes/Houston Dynamo organization, will become TFC’s head scout. He will also represent TFC in dealings with other MLS clubs. Pat Onstad “I had the pleasure of working with Pat at D.C. United and have great respect for him. He’s meticulous, diligent, and he knows our league very well,” said Payne in a release issued by the club. “He’s a perfect fit for this role and will be a great asset for our club.” Onstad also earned 57 caps for Canada. And, before becoming one of the best keepers ever to play in MLS,. Onstad played for the Edmonton Drillers of the old indoor National Professional Soccer League. And, on Nov. 28, 1998, he scored a goal against the Kansas City Attack. Late in the game KC had pulled its goalie for an extra attacker, and Onstad bounced a long field-length throw into the goal. He intentionally threw the ball a little bit left of target knowing that he always put right-sided spin on the ball when he released it. He knew the bounce would veer right and then go on target. In fact, he even tried that long sideways-bounce throw when there was a keeper in the opposition goal, especially if it was one known for wandering out of the box. Now that’s a smart keeper.
