Tiago Calvano has been released from his Sydney FC contract with immediate effect, per a club press release. According to the Sydney Morning Herald's Dominic Bossi, Tiago will be headed to the North American Soccer League, the second tier in the United States. The 32-year-old Brazilian, who previously played with Newcastle Jets, as well as Fortuna Düsseldorf and BSC Young Boys, was suspended for eight games this season by the A-League for making contact with a referee. That suspension, levied in November, prevented Tiago from playing again for Sydney.

The club release quotes Tiago on his departure:

"I feel a little bit sad because I really enjoyed my time here at Sydney FC. Spending time with my teammates and the staff at the club was great but that's football. We are like a family but the positive thing is I can get a contract for one year, with the option of one more. "My contract is finished here in May and I felt it was going to be difficult to stay, so I chose the best option for myself and my family. I will really miss all of the boys and especially the members and fans. I would like to thank them for supporting me through a very tough time, as well as the staff at the club. I wish the best for all of the team and I really hope they make the Hyundai A-League Finals. I will be watching from America."

UPDATE - Dominic Bossi's article in the Sydney Morning Herald has been updated (without a note), removing the Cosmos from his article. I've changed mine to reflect that.