TORONTO - Toronto FC has signed first-round draft choice Tsubasa Endoh.

The 22-year-old forward from Japan has impressed at training camp, starting up top on the right side of coach Greg Vanney's 4-3-3 formation.

"Throughout pre-season Tsubasa has shown a high level of professionalism. He has done a great job of integrating into the group and has been a solid contributor thus far," Toronto FC GM Tim Bezbatchenko said in a statement Saturday. "He is a player that we have liked for some time and one with a great amount of upside. We are excited to get this deal done and have Tsubasa as a member of Toronto FC."

Endoh's signing brings Toronto FC's roster to 27 including injured defender Clement Simonin (knee) who could be shifted to the disabled list. Forward Mo Babouli, an academy product, is also a candidate for a first-team contract.

Endoh was selected ninth overall in the MLS SuperDraft in January after four seasons at the University of Maryland.

He has represented Japan from the under-12 to under-17 level.

"He's a very smart player, his work rate is off the charts,'' Vanney said this week.