Central STL News

St. Louis CITY SC has announced its roster decisions as the club prepares for the 2026 Major League Soccer season. The team will move forward with 22 players under contract after exercising contract options for seven athletes and declining options for six.

The club confirmed that Chris Durkin, Sangbin Jeong, João Klauss, Brendan McSorley, Christian Olivares, Jaziel Orozco, and Miguel Perez will remain with the team after their contract options were exercised for the upcoming season.

Contract options were declined for defenders Henry Kessler, Michael Wentzel, and Josh Yaro, as well as midfielders Rasmus Alm, Alfredo Morales, and Akil Watts. However, the club stated that discussions are ongoing with Kessler and Yaro about a possible return.

Goalkeeper Ben Lundt is out of contract and now eligible for MLS Free Agency. The club noted that talks are continuing with Lundt regarding a potential return. Selmir Pidro’s contract has expired.

Negotiations are still in progress regarding contract options for Joey Zalinsky, Jayden Reid, and Seth Antwi.

The loan agreements for Conrad Wallem from SK Slavia Prague and Devin Padelford from Minnesota United will expire on December 31, 2025. St. Louis CITY SC is in contact with both parent clubs about potential returns.

Interim sporting director John Hackworth commented on the changes: “We want to thank each of the players whose contract options were not renewed for their professionalism and commitment throughout their time with us and can’t thank them enough for their passion for this club. They all contributed in different ways, and we wish them all the best in the next chapter of their careers.”

CITY SC President and General Manager Diego Gigliani said: “As we prepare for 2026, our focus is now on building a roster for the upcoming season that reflects our ambitions as a club moving forward. This marks an important step in the next chapter of this team and who we want to become, as we look to refresh our squad and improve our competitiveness.”

The roster currently includes two goalkeepers, six defenders, eight midfielders, and six forwards.