TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS:Roster Update
The Seattle Sounders on Monday announced that they have picked up 2019 contract options for 10 players, including a number of key figures from their second-half surge this year.
However, the future of club legend Osvaldo Alonso (pictured above) is yet to be determined, with the club confirming that he is out of contract and eligible for Free Agency heading into the offseason.
The Sounders players who had their contract option picked up included the preferred center back pairing of Chad Marshall, a 2018 MLS Defender of the Year finalist, and Kim Kee-Hee, as well as key midfield contributors Cristian Roldan and Gustav Svensson.
"We're excited to bring back the majority of players on our squad to make another strong run in 2019," said Sounders GM & President of Soccer Garth Lagerwey in a team statement. "It's always difficult to make these decisions at the end of every season, but ultimately we're excited about the group we have in place and what we can accomplish next year."
Longtime Sounders player and MLS vet Lamar Neagle, who made six substitute appearances in 2018, was the most notable name among those who had their options declined. The others were goalkeeper Calle Brown, defender Tony Alfaro and forward Felix Chenkam. In addition to Alonso, midfielder Aaron Kovar, who spent 2018 on loan with LAFC, is also out of contract.
Alonso and Neagle are eligible for MLS free agency, while forward Clint Dempsey retired earlier this year.
