Toronto FC announced the signing of Puerto Rican defender Marco Velez on Wednesday.

The Major League Soccer club also revealed it has signed New Zealand forward Jarrod Smith to a development contract.

Terms and details of both contracts were not released.

Both Velez and Smith have recently been training with the Canadian club.

"We're very pleased to get Marco under contract. He's come in here and had a great camp and is a good addition to our back line," said Toronto general manager Mo Johnston. "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."

Velez, 27, joins Toronto FC from the Puerto Rico Islanders of the United States League first division, who he signed with in 2005.

The defender is also captain of the Puerto Rican national team.

Smith, 23, was selected by Toronto in the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft, but played last season in his native New Zealand for Hawke's Bay United.

Toronto FC begins the MLS regular season on March 29 on the road against the Columbus Crew. The team's first home game is April 19 against Real Salt Lake.