Seattle Sounders FC today announced that it is declining the contract options of eight players from its current roster. 22 players from the 2014 team that captured the MLS Supporters’ Shield and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup are currently under contract for next season, giving the club a roster that features 23 players, including recently signed Homegrown product Victor Mansaray.
The club is declining contract options of the following players: goalkeepers Josh Ford and Marcus Hahnemann; defenders Onyekachi Apam and Djimi Traore; forwards Tristan Bowen, Sean Okoli, Cam Weaver and Eriq Zavaleta. Additionally, defender Jalil Anibaba is out of contract.
“In our league it’s a consistent challenge to keep successful teams together, and these types of decisions are always difficult,” said Sounders FC Owner and General Manager Adrian Hanauer. “Having said that, conversations are ongoing with several players about their respective futures with our club, and as we continue to shape the roster for 2015 we’ll have additional announcements to share.”
Following today’s announcement, Sounders FC’s current roster is listed below.
Goalkeepers (1): Stefan Frei
Defenders (7): Leo Gonzalez, Damion Lowe, Chad Marshall, Jimmy Ockford, Dylan Remick, Zach Scott, DeAndre Yedlin
Midfielders (9): Osvaldo Alonso, Brad Evans, Aaron Kovar, Lamar Neagle, Andy Rose, Micheal Azira, Marco Pappa, Gonzalo Pineda, Aaron Long
Forwards (6): Chad Barrett, Kenny Cooper, Clint Dempsey, Obafemi Martins, Kevin Parsemain, Victor Mansaray