The Philadelphia Union became the 20th and final MLS team to announce their preliminary roster moves ahead of the 2016 season on Thursday, picking up the options of seven players and declining those of another ten.
The club picked up the contract options of Eric Ayuk, Leo Fernandes, Sebastien Le Toux, Richie Marquez, Vincent Nogueira, Zach Pfeffer and C.J. Sapong. They will join Tranquillo Barnetta, Andre Blake, Maurice Edu, Raymon Gaddis and John McCarthy, who were already under contract for the 2016 season.
Philadelphia also announced they have declined contract options on goalkeeper Zac MacMath, defender Steven Vitoria, midfielders Fred, Eric Bird, Danny Cruz and Jimmy McLaughlin, and forwards Dzenan Catic, Conor Casey and Antoine Hoppenot. Casey is the most notable name to not have his option exercised; the 34-year-old forward had 21 goals in 70 regular season appearances since joining the Union ahead of the 2013 season.
The Union also declined Warren Creavalle's option, but announced that they are in contract discussions with midfielder, who is eligible for the Re-Entry Process.
In addition, Fabinho, Brian Carroll and Michael Lahoud are out of contract and are currently in negotiations with the club. Forward Fernando Aristeguieta is on loan until the end of the calendar year from FC Nantes; the Union are in discussions with the Ligue 1 side in regards to a possible extension. Goalkeeper Brian Sylvestre remains on loan.
Earlier in the week, the club announced the acquisition of D.C. United midfielder Chris Pontius via trade. The club also traded Cristian Maidana and Andrew Wenger to the Houston Dynamo, as well as Ethan White to New York City FC. Defender Austin Berry was out of contract and signed with FC Cincinnati of USL.
