TORONTO — Toronto FC has waived Argentine midfielder Mariano Mino.
Mino, 24, joined TFC II, the Reds’ reserve team in the United Soccer League, from Uruguayan club Sud América in March. He was signed to the first team a month later and made his debut as a substitute against the Houston Dynamo April 21. Mino served as an unused substitute eight times but never played another MLS game.
The diminutive playmaker, who is 5-foot-3, impressed in five USL appearances, recording two assists. It is not yet clear if he will return to that level or seek a move elsewhere should he go unclaimed.
By cutting Mino, TFC opened an international roster spot ahead of MLS’ secondary transfer window, which opens July 10. Reds general manager Tim Bezbatchenko has dipped into the international market the past two summers, signing Panama midfielder Armando Cooper in 2016 and Liechtenstein utility man Nicolas Hasler last year.
Toronto may also gain some cap relief, though that depends on the status of Mino’s contract. Normally, a club waiving a player on a guaranteed contract will still have that player’s budget charge count against the cap unless he is claimed by another team.
There is an exception, however: players on semi-guaranteed contracts who are waived before the contract guarantee date, at which point all contracts become guaranteed. That date is usually July 1. The timing of Mino’s release, announced the morning of June 30, suggests the latter is a possibility.
Mino is the second player Toronto waived this season, following the release of forward Ben Spencer, who was not claimed and has left the club. TFC now has 28 players signed and two open senior roster spots.
Toronto currently sits six points adrift of the final Eastern Conference playoff spot. The club takes on the New York Red Bulls at 4:30 p.m. ET Sunday at BMO Field.