Sporting Kansas City announced on Tuesday that the club has waived defender Josh Gardner.

The 31-year-old appeared in nine MLS matches, three CONCACAF Champions League games and two U.S. Open Cup fixtures for Sporting Kansas City since joining the club in December 2012. In seven MLS seasons, Gardner has played in 59 games (including postseason) with three goals and six assists.

With the departure of Gardner, and midfielder Peterson Joseph currently on the Disabled List, Sporting Kansas City has one on-budget roster spot available. Sporting Kansas City’s roster -- the third youngest in Major League Soccer – has 28 players under contract.

Manager Peter Vermes has used 20 different players in MLS competition to date this year, tied for the most of any team through the first three weeks of the season.

To view a complete list of Sporting KC transactions in 2014, visit SportingKC.com/tracker.