MLS Moves: Orlando City sheds big salaries with eye on roster overhaul

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Nov 7, 2017

The first step toward rebuilding its team that has failed to make the MLS playoffs in each of its first three seasons began when Orlando City did not exercise the options of eight players:

Goalkeeper: Josh Saunders.
Defenders: Seb Hines
-- Conor Donovan
Midfielders: Antonio Nocerino
-- Servando Carrasco
-- Dillon Powers.
Forwards: Giles Barnes
-- Hadji Barry

Along with Kaka, who is a free agent and will not to return in 2018, Nocerino ($850,000 guaranteed compensation, per MLS Players Union) and Barnes ($781,000) were the Lions' highest-paid players, so their departures free up a lot of cap room.

Twelve players were already under contract for 2018 and eight more had their options picked up. They include Cyle Larin, who has expressed a desire to be transferred to a club in Europe.

Kevin Alston and Devron Garcia are also free agents.

2018: Orlando City roster:
Goalkeepers: Joe Bendik, Earl Edwards, Jr., Mason Stajduhar.
Defenders: Rafael Ramos, Tommy Redding, Scott Sutter, Jonathan Spector, José Aja, Donny Toia, PC.
Midfielders: Will Johnson, Yoshimar Yotun, Richie Laryea, Pierre Da Silva, Cristian Higuita, Tony Rocha.
Forwards: Dom Dwyer, Cyle Larin, Carlos Rivas.