SEATTLE, WASH. – Seattle Sounders FC today announced that it is exercising the 2022 contract options of several players, putting the club’s roster at 19 contracted players heading into next season. Following Seattle’s exit in Round One of the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs, the Rave Green have now officially entered the 2021-2022 offseason, with preparations underway for the next campaign.
“While we had higher aspirations for our playoff run this year, we had a successful regular season and a strong run in Leagues Cup. I’d like to thank our players for their hard work, as well as our staff for their contributions day in and day out,” said General Manager & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey. “We are already amidst preparations for 2022 and look forward to bouncing back next season, which is right around the corner.”
The following players saw their options exercised for 2022: Xavier Arreaga, Josh Atencio, Abdoulaye Cissoko, João Paulo, Jimmy Medranda, Jordan Morris and Raúl Ruidíaz. Twelve additional players are under contract for next season, including Reed Baker-Whiting, Léo Chú, Ethan Dobbelaere, Stefan Frei, Yeimar Gómez Andrade, Danny Leyva, Nicolás Lodeiro, Nouhou, Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez, Cristian Roldan, Brad Smith and Andrew Thomas.
Sounders FC has declined the contract options of the following players: Nicolas Benezet, Jordy Delem, Shandon Hopeau, Fredy Montero, Trey Muse, Spencer Richey and Kelyn Rowe. Additionally, Will Bruin, Stefan Cleveland and Shane O’Neill are all out of contract. Alex Roldan is also out of contract, but Sounders FC has extended him a bonafide offer to remain with the club. For a number of these players, additional conversations about returning to Seattle in 2022 are ongoing.
Sounders FC was eliminated from the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs on November 23 by Real Salt Lake via penalty kicks following 120 minutes of scoreless action. Second-seeded Seattle’s 13th consecutive postseason berth ended in Round One to seventh-seeded RSL, falling out in the first round for the first time since 2011. The Rave Green’s 2021 campaign ended with the club compiling a 19-9-10 record across all competitions.
CURRENT SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC ROSTER
GOALKEEPERS (2): Stefan Frei, Andrew Thomas
DEFENDERS (6): Yeimar Gómez Andrade, Xavier Arreaga, Abdoulaye Cissoko, Jimmy Medranda, Nouhou, Brad Smith
MIDFIELDERS (8): Josh Atencio, Reed Baker-Whiting, Léo Chú, Ethan Dobbelaere, João Paulo, Danny Leyva, Nicolás Lodeiro, Cristian Roldan
FORWARDS (3): Jordan Morris, Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez, Raúl Ruidíaz
