Toronto FC fills out goalkeeping group with addition of veteran William Yarbrough

By Canadian Press on January 16, 2026.

TORONTO — Toronto FC has signed veteran goalkeeper William Yarbrough, adding a layer of experience behind holdovers Luka Gavran and Adisa De Rosario.

The 36-year-old Mexican-American arrives as a free agent after spending last season as a backup at Inter Miami.

Born in Mexico to American parents, Yarbrough won two Liga MX titles and recorded 52 shutouts in 203 appearances for Club Leon (2012 to 2020) before heading to MLS, where he spent four seasons with Colorado (2020 to 2023) and one each with San Jose (2024) and Miami (2025).

Miami declined the 36-year-old Yarbrough’s 2026 contract option. Toronto has signed him for the 2026 MLS season with an option through June 2027.

The six-foot-two Yarbrough is a familiar figure for Toronto coach Robin Fraser, who coached Colorado from August 2019 to September 2023.

“His veteran presence, proven leadership, and experience complement our existing group of young goalkeepers, and we are excited to see him push the demands and standards of everyone in the locker-room,” Toronto GM Jason Hernandez said in a statement.

With starter Sean Johnson leaving for D.C. United as a free agent, Gavran is expected to take over as Toronto’s No. 1. The 25-year-old from Hamilton, currently in camp with Canada, started three league games last season.

The 21-year-old De Rosario, son of Canada Soccer Hall of Famer Dwayne De Rosario, was Toronto’s third-string ‘keeper last season.

A former Mexico youth international, Yarbrough switched allegiance to the U.S. in 2015 and appeared in three friendlies. While he has played in 120 career MLS regular-season games, his last league outing was Sept. 21, 2024, with San Jose.

Yarbrough came through the Pachuca youth system, signing his first pro contract at 16. He went out on loan to Tampico Madero (2010-2011), Titanes Tulancingo (2011) and Leon (2012-13) before joining Leon on a permanent basis in March 2013.

Yarbrough will wear No. 23 for Toronto, following in the footsteps of Maxime Dominguez, Brandon Servania, Chris Mavinga, Josh Williams and Terry Dunfield, among others.

The veteran goalkeeper joins Brazilian left back/wingback Matheus Pereira and U.S. international defender Walker Zimmerman as new TFC faces in advance of the 2026 season kickoff.

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 16, 2026

Neil Davidson, The Canadian Press