The Fire exercised options on Kingsley Bryce, Patrick Doody, Matt Polster and Harry Shipp on Monday. These four join nine other players already under guaranteed contracts; David Accam, Collin Fernandez, Eric Gehrig, Gilberto, Kennedy Igboananike, Sean Johnson, Joevin Jones, Patrick Nyarko and Michael Stephens.
While the news was good for some, it wasn't as positive for others, as the team also declined options on nine players; Adailton, Jon Busch, Razvan Cocis, Greg Cochrane, Jason Johnson, Alec Kann, Jeff Larentowicz, Lovel Palmer and Chris Ritter. A loan deal for Daneil Cyrus also expired.
“History has shown that the key to having a successful team in MLS requires a solid nucleus of players who have been together for some time,” Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez said. “Returning Harry, Matt, Kingsley and Patrick and combining them with the players we already have under contract begins to move us in that direction. The players adversely affected are talented individuals as well, who we thank for their contributions to our Club and wish well in their careers going forward.”
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The following players are currently out of contract: Ty Harden, Mike Magee and Matthew Watson.
Busch, Larentowicz, Magee and Harden now become free agents, while Palmer and Watson are eligible to participate in MLS’ re-entry process.