COMMERCE CITY, CO (December 12, 2016) – The Colorado Rapids announced several roster decision today ahead of the 2016 MLS Expansion Draft. Nine players had their contract options picked up: John Berner, Bobby Burling, Marc Burch, Dennis Castillo, Eric Miller, Axel Sjoberg, Dillon Serna, Dominique Badji, and Caleb Calvert.
Colorado Rapids Roster Decisions Announced
The club chose to not exercise options on Sean St. Ledger, Marco Pappa, Zach Pfeffer, and Conor Doyle. Jermaine Jones and Sebastien Le Toux are now out of contract. Le Toux is eligible for free agency.
With that, the current Rapids roster for 2017 is:
Goalkeepers (3): John Berner, Tim Howard, Zach MacMath
Defenders (7): Marc Burch, Bobby Burling, Dennis Castillo, Eric Miller, Axel Sjöberg, Jared Watts, Mekeil Williams
Midfielders (5): Micheal Azira, Sam Cronin, Marlon Hairston, Dillon Powers, Dillon Serna
Forwards (4): Dominique Badji, Caleb Calvert, Kevin Doyle, Shkëlzen Gashi
The Rapids veteran core and their future is in tact. Conor Doyle and Zach Pfeffer are the only players 25 or younger who are not back on contract. The entire defense (that was first in the league last season) is also in tact.
Of the four players who had options declined, Pappa was the only real contributor in 2016. He faded after getting injured in the middle of the season. Colorado could bring him back, but it isn’t a terrible loss if they don’t. They could re-negotiate his contract. The other three really don’t matter.
Le Toux also might not be back with the club. He’s a free agent, so it will be easier for clubs to pick him up and negotiate with him. He was also fairly expensive for what he produced on the field. It’s unlikely the Rapids will bring him back at that price.
Jones is a wild card. It’s been confirmed he’s been in contact with the LA Galaxy brass. While he was great in the locker room and on the field, he wasn’t healthy throughout the year. For the amount he’ll want to be paid, he’s a big risk for 2017.
