
Whitecaps FC Re-Sign Clarke, Exercise Nine Contract Options and Decline Five
December 8, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Vancouver Whitecaps FC News Release
VANCOUVER, BC - Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced today that the club has re-signed striker Caleb Clarke. The club also confirmed it has finalized the future considerations trade with Toronto FC from last March that saw Vancouver acquire MatÃ-as Laba, exercised the 2015 contract options on nine players, and declined the contract options on five players.
"Last year we built a solid core group of players and we continue to head in the right direction," said Whitecaps FC head coach Carl Robinson. "Consistency is important and we are excited to have the vast majority of our roster returning next season."
Whitecaps FC picked up the options on goalkeepers Marco Carducci, David Ousted and Paolo Tornaghi, defender Ethen Sampson, midfielders Mehdi Ballouchy, Gershon Koffie and Andre Lewis, as well as strikers Erik Hurtado and Darren Mattocks.
The club also announced that it has declined the options on centre back Johnny LeverÃ"n, attacking midfielders Sebastián Fernández, Nicolás Mezquida, and Mauro Rosales, as well as striker Mamadou Diouf. The club remains in contact with all five players, as well as out-of-contract centre back Andy O'Brien, regarding their future with the club.
"There are still a number of discussions that are currently taking place and we will continue to provide updates when available," added Robinson.
Per MLS roster rules and regulations, Rosales will be eligible for the MLS Re-Entry Process unless he opts out or signs a new deal. Phase One of the Re-Entry Draft will occur on December 12; Phase Two is set for December 18. Meanwhile, Diouf will be eligible for the MLS Waiver Draft on December 10 and should he clear waivers, he will be invited to the 'Caps 2015 preseason training camp.
In addition to the Re-Entry Process and Waiver Draft, the 2014 Expansion Draft will take place on December 10.
Stay tuned to whitecapsfc.com and follow Whitecaps FC on Twitter and Facebook for the latest news throughout the offseason.
"¨The following 21 Whitecaps FC players are under contract for the 2015 season.
Goalkeeper (3): Marco Carducci, David Ousted, Paolo Tornaghi
Defenders (6): Sam Adekugbe, Steven Beitashour, Christian Dean, Jordan Harvey, Ethen Sampson, Kendall Waston
Midfielders (8): Mehdi Ballouchy, Marco Bustos, Kianz Froese, Gershon Koffie, Matias Laba, Andre Lewis, Pedro Morales, Russell Teibert
Strikers (4): Caleb Clarke, Erik Hurtado, Kekuta Manneh, Darren Mattocks
Major League Soccer Stories from December 8, 2014
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- Toronto FC Receives Funds from Vancouver Whitecaps FC - Toronto FC
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- Berhalter, Crew SC Take Proactive Approach Ahead of Expansion Draft - Columbus Crew SC
- Colorado Rapids Trade Goalkeeper Joe Nasco to the Revolution - Colorado Rapids
- D.C. United Declines Options on Five Players; Extends Bona Fide Offer to One - D.C. United
- Whitecaps FC to Transfer Striker Omar Salgado to International Club - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
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- LA Galaxy Send Landon Donovan off in Legendary Style - LA Galaxy
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- Philadelphia Union Acquire Forward C.J. Sapong from Sporting KC - Philadelphia Union
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- D.C. United Trades International Roster Slot to Orlando City SC - D.C. United
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- Philadelphia Union Declines Options on Five Players - Philadelphia Union
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
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