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This evening (UK time), Orlando City SC officially announced their updated first team roster following the end of the 2018 Major League Soccer campaign.
The first comprehensive evidence as to who is staying, potentially remaining and departing Orlando City Stadium before 2019, there were a few surprise names in the ‘option not exercised’ column.
With elder statesmen Joe Bendik, Jonathan Spector and Scott Sutter the eye-catching names on the ‘option not exercised’ list, it’s worth noting that Orlando City SC may renegotiate new contracts for players on this list should they see fit.
For full rules on MLS Roster Rules and Regulations, click here.
Following the announcement, the status of Orlando City SC‘s first team roster was:
Under Contract
Out of Contract
Option Exercised
Option Not Exercised
Shortly after the announcement, Orlando City UK quizzed our followers on whether it was the right or wrong decision to place the likes of Joe Bendik, Jonathan Spector and Scott Sutter on our ‘option not exercised’ list.
Was it the ✅ or ❌ decision to NOT exercise the options on these four? 🤔 (1/2)
Let us know in the comments! ⬇️🗣#OCSC #MLS pic.twitter.com/VR7njiCgUL
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) November 27, 2018
Was it the ✅ or ❌ decision to NOT exercise the options on these four? 🤔 (2/2)
Let us know in the comments! ⬇️🗣#OCSC #MLS pic.twitter.com/O5T9d9R2Vz
— Orlando City UK (@Orlando_CityUK) November 27, 2018
All of this news naturally sent the Orlando City SC Twittersphere into a frenzy so Orlando City UK gathered some of the best tweets and thoughts following the announcement.
I think correct on all four. Hard seeing bendik go after having some good seasons but he was awfully poor this season. Grinwis was stand out even at the end and we should build with him and mason
— Charlotte (@KirbyHazard) November 27, 2018
Honestly hope we find a way to keep a hold of Sutter.
— Daryl (@DazskiCPFC) November 27, 2018
Sure Specs was hurt a lot but when he played he saved more goals that the goalie! Sutter has sooooo much heart we would be foolish. So disappointed!
— christine taylor (@xtinewilcox) November 27, 2018
Spector can only be an injury issue. he's too valuable otherwise. No real qualms about any of the others, but Sutter? He's the only properly viable full-back in the squad. Hard to fathom that one. Maybe he wanted to go back to SWI?
— VenessTravelMedia (@VenessTravelMe1) November 27, 2018
Probably, Spector injury prone, Sutter lacking pace, the others speak for themselves
— David Manock (@dmanock) November 27, 2018
Bendik’s decline in form was a big surprise, never great off his line, and comfortable with ball, but totally lost it this season.
— David Manock (@dmanock) November 27, 2018
Completely disappointed! Glad I didn’t renew this season. Besides @SachaKljestan and a few others you messed up. @scott_sitter has so much heart on that field and while I know @JSpector23 was hurt a lot of the season no one commands the back or makes more saves than him! Boo!
— christine taylor (@xtinewilcox) November 27, 2018
Hope to heck we have a decent keeper lined up to join plus cover ……
— steve ellis (@vanian170) November 27, 2018
Bunch of idiots letting go of the 1 player that tried to make things happen towards the end @scott_sutter deserved better….
— Kia Fernandez (@KiannyKia) November 27, 2018
So Salary Cap that becomes available:
Bendik: 180,000
Edwards: 68,250
Lareya: 135,000
Rocha: 68,902
Schuler:75,000
Spector:807,500
Sutter: 225,000
Toia:125,004
Villareal:85,000
TOTAL: $1,769,656— Stuart Morrell (@orlandosgm) November 27, 2018
So, what lineup can you now see as the best starting XI after today's cuts, @OrlandoCitySC fans? My best: Grinwis; Ascues, O'Neill, Tarek; El-Munir, Higuita, Rosell, Yotun, Kljestan; Dwyer, Mueller. Reinforcements needed!
— VenessTravelMedia (@VenessTravelMe1) November 27, 2018
What are YOU making of Orlando City SC‘s 2018 end-of-season roster update?
Comment below or tweet us at @Orlando_CityUK to let us know!