Frisco, Texas(Dec. 7, 2020) – FC Dallas has exercised contract options on six players, while 18 players are already under contract for the 2021 season, the club announced today.
The club exercised contract options for goalkeepers Jimmy Maurer and Kyle Zobeck, defender Nkosi Burgess, and midfielders Michael Barrios, Brandon Servania and Ema Twumasi.
Players currently under contract for the 2021 season include defenders Justin Che, Matt Hedges, Ryan Hollingshead, Eddie Munjoma, Johnny Nelson and Bryan Reynolds; midfielders Bryan Acosta, Edwin Cerrillo, Paxton Pomykal, Andrés Ricaurte, Thomas Roberts, Thiago Santos and Tanner Tessmann; as well as forwards Jesús Ferreira, Franco Jara, Ricardo Pepi, Fafa Picault and Dante Sealy.
FC Dallas has declined contract options for defender Callum Montgomery and midfielders Francis Atuahene and Santiago Mosquera. The club is currently in negotiations with goalkeeper Phelipe Megiolaro and defender Bressan about their futures with FC Dallas. Defender Reto Ziegler is out of contract and will be available through the Re-Entry draft.
Out of the 24 players returning for the 2021 season, 14 players are 25 years old or younger, including 11 FC Dallas Academy Products.
2021 FC Dallas roster (as of Dec. 7, 2020)
Goalkeepers (2): Jimmy Maurer, Kyle Zobeck
Defenders (7): Nkosi Burgess, Justin Che, Matt Hedges, Ryan Hollingshead, Eddie Munjoma, Johnny Nelson, Bryan Reynolds
Midfielders (10): Bryan Acosta, Michael Barrios, Edwin Cerrillo, Paxton Pomykal, Andrés Ricaurte, Thomas Roberts, Thiago Santos, Brandon Servania, Tanner Tessmann, Ema Twumasi
Forwards (5): Jesús Ferreira, Franco Jara, Ricardo Pepi, Fafa Picault, Dante Sealy
The MLS offseason officially begins Sunday, Dec. 13 at 8 AM CT with the Half-Day Trade Window. The MLS Expansion Draft is set for Tuesday, Dec. 15 as 2021 expansion side Austin FC may select up to five players from the eligible MLS player pool. End-of-Year Waivers and MLS Free Agency will open Wednesday, Dec. 16, while Stage 1 of the Re-Entry Process is set for Dec. 17 and Stage 2 on Dec. 22. For a full breakdown of the MLS offseason calendar, click here.
Update Dec. 9: Change was made to reflect Reto Ziegler will be available through the Re-Entry Draft and not Free Agency