Orlando City declines option on 6 players

The offseason transformation of the Orlando City roster under Jason Kreis has begun. The team declined the option of six players; Kevin Alston, Julio Baptista, Luke Boden, Seb Hines, Pedro Ribeiro and Tyler Turner.

Lions assistant general manager Niki Budalic said there were many difficult decisions to make. “This was very tough. Some of these players have been with us since the USL days. Many of them have been major contributors to our team.”

Alston, Boden and Hines saw the most playing time in 2016, but were part of a back line that allowed the most goals (60) in MLS.

Boden has the most history with the club. He was part of the team’s inaugural roster when they moved to Orlando in 2011. This past year, he started 19 matches and tallied 3 assists.

Julio Baptista joined Orlando City in 2016 and quickly made his presence felt as a late-game spark. Baptista only started 5 matches, but finished 4th on the team with 6 goals.

Ribeiro missed a majority of the 2016 season with a back injury, while Turner spent the year with Orlando City B.

Despite the declined options, Budalic told WFTV-Channel 9 they are remaining in contact with a few of the players for a possible return in 2017. The players could end up back on Orlando City’s roster through free agency, waivers or the MLS re-entry draft depending on their respective experience in MLS.

Cox Media Group