Bright Dike

How Acquired: Trade with Portland Timbers on September 9, 2013

Pronunciation: “B’RIGHT DEE-KAY”

Dike enters his second season with Toronto FC, after he was acquired in a trade with the Portland Timbers on September 9, 2013. Dike, was originally selected in the first round (12th overall) in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by the Columbus Crew. He left the Crew to sign with the Portland Timbers of the USSF Division Two Professional League and spent the 2010 season with the club. He became one of the Timbers first signings ahead of the club’s inaugural MLS season in 2011. Prior to his professional career, Dike played his collegiate soccer at the University of Notre Dame. He played in 86 matches for the Fighting Irish and led the team and the Big East Conference in scoring both in his junior and senior years. Dike has earned two caps for the Nigerian national team. They both came during friendly matches against Venezuela on November 14, 2012 and Italy on November 18, 2013. Dike scored his first official goal for the Super Eagles in the 35th minute against Italy. Dike is eligible to play for Nigeria through his parents, who are natives of Nigeria.