Fullback Justin Morrow set for milestone 100th appearance for Toronto FC

TORONTO — Fullback Justin Morrow can reach a milestone Wednesday — his 100th appearance for Toronto FC in all competitions.

Only defender Ashtone Morgan and midfielder Jonathan Osorio have made more appearances for the MLS team.

Morrow has become a fixture on the left side since joining Toronto via a December 2013 trade from the San Jose Earthquakes that sent allocation money the other way.

“It’s a great accomplishment, in my mind,” the 28-year-old from Cleveland said of reaching 100 games with TFC. “It’s nice to be at a club where you’re wanted and that’s really aggressive in trying to win games and win a championship. So I’m happy that I’m here, I’m happy I’ve been able to play this many games.”

Toronto hosts Orlando City on Wednesday.

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A versatile player, at times Morrow was also Toronto’s best right back in 2015 when injuries dictated he play there.

“I think he’s an extraordinary professional,” said coach Greg Vanney. “Day in and day out, he takes care of himself. He comes to the training field and he trains with the appropriate attention to things every single day. He works hard, on and off the field.”

A steady defender with a good set of wheels, the athletic Morrow has also delivered some timely goals with forays down the flank. He has four in 27 games this season, matching his total in 134 appearances over the last five seasons.

“He’s been very very dangerous on the attacking side … I think that’s something he’s really focused on this year,” Vanney said.

Toronto was once a struggling franchise with a revolving door approach to personnel. But under Vanney and GM Tim Bezbatchenko, the team has been more successful and settled of late.

“It’s good. We’re starting to get some guys around here that have some experience in the club,” said Vanney. “That means we’re having some continuity as well.”

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Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press