Toronto FC added two players Wednesday by signing defender Marco Velez and forward Jarrod Smith.

Velez joins Toronto from the Puerto Rico Islanders of the United Soccer Leagues, where the 27-year-old played from 2005-2007. He had one goal and one assist in 27 games wast season and helped the Islanders make the USL semi-finals for the first time in their history.

“We’re very pleased to get Marco under contract," Toronto manager Mo Johnston said in a news release. "He’s come in here and had a great camp and is a good addition to our back line. We’re looking stronger in that area this season and I’m happy about that. Jarrod has worked hard as well, and he’ll give us some depth on our bench at his position.”

Smith, a New Zealander who agreed to a developmental contract with Toronto, was selected first overall by TFC in the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft and played last year with Hawk's Bay United of the New Zealand Football Championship. The 23-year-old scored two goals in nine appearances. Smith has represented New Zealand 11 times at the under-20 and under-23 levels.

Financial details of the deals were not revealed.

Toronto FC takes on the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday in their second game of the Carolina Challenge Cup, a pre-season tournament near Charleston, S.C. 

The game is being streamed live at cbcsports.ca.

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Reference:

http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/postedsports/archive/2008/03/19/soccer-toronto-fc-signs-velez-and-smith.aspx