TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Roster update
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced their roster decisions following the 2019 season on Thursday.
They have exercised 2020 contract options for defender Jake Nerwinski, forward Yordy Reyna and forward Tosaint Ricketts.
That trio joins 15 other players under contract with the club for 2020: Maxime Crepeau, Thomas Hasal, Zac MacMath, Derek Cornelius, Jasser Khmiri, Ali Adnan, Georges Mukumbilwa, Michael Baldisimo, Simon Colyn, Jon Erice, Inbeom Hwang, Andy Rose, Russell Teibert, Theo Bair and Fredy Montero.
Vancouver announced they are in discussions with PC, Doneil Henry, Erik Godoy and Michaell Chirinos about a possible return for next season.
Meanwhile, the Whitecaps will not exercise options on Sean Melvin, Brendan McDonough and Scott Sutter, and Brett Levis won't be offered a new contract. Lass Bangoura will return to Rayo Vallecano from his loan, and Joaquin Ardaiz will return to Swiss club FC Chiasso from his loan. Forward Anthony Blondell has been purchased by Chilean club CD Huachipato after his loan stint there.
Vancouver finished the season in 12th place in the Western Conference, with 34 points (8W-16L-10D).
"No question, last year was a difficult season and at the same time an important and necessary step in our rebuilding process," said Whitecaps FC head coach Marc Dos Santos in a team statement. “Over the last 11 months, we have established a core group of players, we are continuing talks with a select number of players who are on options, and our roster will continue to evolve. We are well underway in the recruitment process of identifying and targeting the right players for the positions we need, with members of our staff traveling throughout the summer and fall to evaluate players.
"There are a lot of factors to consider when making roster decisions and it is never simple or easy. We are truly thankful to each of the players who are moving on and wish them all the very best,” added Dos Santos.
