Toronto FC acquires defender Mark Bloom from North American Soccer League

TORONTO - Mark Bloom is headed to Toronto.

Toronto FC announced Friday that they have acquired the 25-year-old defender on loan from the North American Soccer League's Atlanta Silverbacks, though details of the deal were not disclosed.

TFC president and general manager Kevin Payne says he expects Bloom to be part of the team's "nucleus" for the next several years.

Bloom was part of Atlanta's NASL spring season championship side, starting in all 12 matches where he recorded one assist through 1,080 minutes for the club.

Prior to joining Atlanta, Bloom played for the Charlotte Eagles of the United Soccer League professional division.

He signed his first professional contract in 2010 with AC St. Louis of the United States Soccer Federation Division 2 Professional League.