VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed on Thursday that the club has exercised the 2017 contract options on 11 players.
Goalkeeper Paolo Tornaghi, defenders Christian Dean, Jordan Harvey, Tim Parker, and Cole Seiler, midfielders Marco Bustos, Kianz Froese, Ben McKendry, Nicolás Mezquida, and Russell Teibert, as well as winger/striker Kekuta Manneh all had their options picked up.
Whitecaps FC also announced that striker Erik Hurtado has agreed to a contract extension through 2018 with options for 2019 and 2020.
"We have built a strong core and are pleased with where we are at in the process of building our roster for next season," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "In addition to our players under contract, we continue to actively look for additional key difference makers and will provide updates when available."
Meanwhile, the club also confirmed that it will not exercise the options on keeper Marco Carducci, as well as defenders Fraser Aird and Jordan Smith.
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Aird and Smith, who were on loan last season, will return to their parent clubs, Scottish Premiership side Rangers FC and Costa Rican Primera División club Deportivo Saprissa respectively.
Striker Blas Pérez is out-of-contract and per MLS roster rules and regulations, he will be eligible for the MLS Re-Entry Process unless he opts out or signs a new deal. Stage One of the Re-Entry Draft will occur on December 16; Stage Two is set for December 22.
"We are thankful to Marco, Fraser, Jordan, and Blas for their service and commitment to the club," added Robinson. "We will continue to track Marco, Fraser, and Jordan's development."
Stay tuned to whitecapsfc.com and follow us on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news throughout the offseason.
The following 26 Whitecaps FC players are currently under contract for the 2017 season:
Goalkeepers (2): David Ousted, Paolo Tornaghi
Defenders (9): Sam Adekugbe, Christian Dean, Marcel de Jong, David Edgar, Jordan Harvey, Brett Levis, Tim Parker, Cole Seiler, Kendall Waston
Midfielders (11): Christian Bolaños, Marco Bustos, Alphonso Davies, Deybi Flores, Kianz Froese, Andrew Jacobson, MatÃas Laba, Ben McKendry, Nicolás Mezquida, Cristian Techera, Russell Teibert
Wingers/Strikers (2): Giles Barnes, Kekuta Manneh
Strikers (2): Erik Hurtado, Masato Kudo
On loan with English club Brighton & Hove Albion FC through June 2017
