Toronto FC announced today that the club has loaned defender Auro Alvaro da Cruz Junior “Auro” to Brazilian club Santos FC for the remainder of 2022 with Santos having the option to purchase the contract.

Auro, 26, recently completed his fourth season with TFC, where he has made 109 appearances in all competitions (MLS regular season, MLS Cup, Canadian Championship, Concacaf Champions League and Campeones Cup). Auro joined Toronto FC on February 13, 2018, and made his debut with TFC on February 20 against the Colorado Rapids in the first leg of the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions League. He made his MLS debut against Columbus Crew when he started on March 3, 2018.