MLS club Toronto FC have released defender Marco Velez.

The 29-year old Puerto Rican, who signed as a free agent before last season, has been cut loose by the Reds following the signing of 23-year old defender Lesly Fellinga.

"We wish Marco all the best in the future but we needed to make some changes going forward into the final stretch of the regular season," general manager Mo Johnston said in a news release.

Velez managed just eight appearances this season.