SEATTLE, WA – Following a disappointing loss in the MLS Cup on Saturday, the Sounders have started their offseason by announcing the exercising of several players contracts for the 2021 season.
Among the players getting their 2020 options picked up are: Will Bruin, Stefan Frei, Shandon Hopeau, Nouhou, Shane O’Neill and Alex Roldan. Outside of Hopeau, who only appeared in 5 games for the club this season, all the players were consistent starters or contributors for the run to MLS Cup. No pickup was larger than Stefan Frei, however. The goalkeeper has started in 247 matches for the Rave Green since coming over from Toronto FC prior to the 2014 season. He is also is the biggest reason for the first MLS Cup victory the club had in 2016.
In addition to the option pickups, many players remain under contract. Those players are: Yeimar Gómez Andrade, Xavier Arreaga, Josh Atencio, Jordy Delem, Ethan Dobbelaere, Danny Leyva, Nicolás Lodeiro, Jordan Morris, Trey Muse, Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez, Cristian Roldan, Raúl Ruidíaz and Brad Smith.
With the news of players staying also comes the list of players who had their option declined. Justin Dhillon, Miguel Ibarra and Joevin Jones all had their option declined by the club and will not be returning in the new season. In addition to that, Stefan Cleveland, Jimmy Medranda, Kelvin Leerdam, Gustav Svensson and Román Torres are all out of contract. With that being said, the club has stated that a few of those names are in discussion to possibly re-sign.
As of today, the Seattle Sounders roster is:
GOALKEEPERS (2): Stefan Frei, Trey Muse
DEFENDERS (6): Yeimar Gómez Andrade, Xavier Arreaga, Nouhou, Shane O’Neill, Alex Roldan, Brad Smith
MIDFIELDERS (7): Josh Atencio, Jordy Delem, Ethan Dobbelaere, Shandon Hopeau, Danny Leyva, Nicolás Lodeiro, Cristian Roldan
FORWARDS (4): Will Bruin, Jordan Morris, Alfonso Ocampo-Chavez, Raúl Ruidíaz
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Russell is the Content Director for the Eli Network. He studied broadcast journalism at Eastern Oregon and North Dakota State University. Mostly covers soccer and basketball in the Seattle area and is the current play-by-play voice for Seattle Redhawks basketball. You can follow him @brussbrwn.
