COLUMBUS – Columbus Crew SC today announced that it has transferred defender Gaston Sauro to Deportivo Toluca FC of Mexico’s Liga MX. Sauro, 29, departs Crew SC after five seasons in Black & Gold in which he made 39 regular-season appearances (37 starts).

“We would like to thank Gaston for his professionalism and commitment to Columbus Crew SC during his time with the Club,” said Crew SC President and General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. “Gaston was an inspiration to his teammates with his perseverance in overcoming an injury to play soccer again. We want to wish him all the best in this next stage of his career.”



Sauro joined Crew SC from FC Basel of Switzerland’s First Division on August 6, 2015. The defender made four regular-season appearances (all starts) in 2015, his debut season. Sauro also made four playoffs appearances that year, helping the Crew win the 2015 Eastern Conference Championship, as well as reach the 2015 MLS Cup. In 2016, Sauro made 13 regular-season appearances (12 starts), before suffering a left knee injury which forced him to undergo surgery and miss the entire 2017 season.

The Argentine defender returned to action during a 2018 road match against Sporting Kansas City (May 27), his first appearance since October 1, 2016. Sauro went on to make seven regular-season appearances (six starts) and two playoffs appearances (both starts) in 2018. In 2019, Sauro made 15 regular-season appearances (all starts) for the Black & Gold, scoring two goals – an equalizer against the New York Red Bulls (March 2) and a game-winning goal against FC Dallas (March 16).

A 10-year veteran, Sauro played for Boca Juniors from 2009-2012, before joining FC Basel of the Swiss Super League. The defender played for FC Basel from 2012-2015, helping Basel win back-to-back league titles (2012-2013, 2013-2014). Sauro spent the 2014-2015 season on loan with Calcio Catania of Italy’s Serie B.

Up next, Crew SC hosts FC Cincinnati in a home match at MAPFRE Stadium on Saturday, August 10 [7:30 p.m. ET / FOX Sports Ohio, FOX Sports GO (Stream) / 97.1 The Fan & 971TheFan.com (English); ColumbusCrewSC.com (Spanish)].



TRANSACTION: Columbus Crew SC transfers defender Gaston Sauro to Deportivo Toluca FC of Mexico’s Liga MX on August 7, 2019.