Toronto FC used the first overall pick in the Major League Soccer draft Friday to select University of Maryland midfielder Maurice Edu.

Edu, 20, started 55 games in three seasons at Maryland and has 10 goals and 11 assists in his collegiate career. As a sophomore in 2005, Edu helped the Terps win a national championship.

University of Maryland midfielder Maurice Edu, left, is greeted by MLS commissioner Don Garber, after he was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by Toronto FC in the MLS.
(Tom Strattman/Associated Press)

Edu decided to forego his final year of collegiate eligibility to pursue a pro soccer career.

There was speculation that Toronto coach Mo Johnston was going to trade the top pick in the draft, but the Scot ended up choosing Edu to shore up his growing roster.

 "He's a very, very good young player," said Johnston. "It's a great day for our team and we're looking forward to seeing him in training camp."

A native of California, Edu is a skilful dribbler who is also an effective defensive midfielder.

"It's a dream come true", said Edu. "I'm very excited to be starting with a new team in Toronto and really looking forward to getting started with Mo."

After selecting Edu, Toronto made a trade to acquire the 10th overall pick from Los Angeles and used the selection to take defender Andrew Boyens from New Mexico.

The team used the 27th overall pick in the third round to select midfielder Rich Asante of Toronto. The 22-year-old played at Syracuse University

Toronto has already signed 12 players, including Canadians Greg Sutton, Adam Braz, Chris Pozniak, Marco Reda and Jim Brennan.

Toronto FC begins its inaugural MLS season on April 7 against Chivas USA in Carson, Calif. FC's home opener is April 28 against the Kansas City Wizards.

Friday's draft occurred a day after the blockbuster announcement that English soccer star David Beckham has signed a five-year, $250-million US deal with the Los Angeles Galaxy.