CITY SC announces roster decisions ahead of 2026 season

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Matrix Midwest) - Today, St. Louis CITY SC announced some roster moves as it prepares for another offseason.

The club says it has 21 players under contract for 2026 after exercising seven player options and declining six.

“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,” said interim sporting director, John Hackworth. “They all contributed in different ways, and we wish them all the best in the next chapter of their careers.”

CITY SC has 21 players under contract for the 2026 season:

• Goalkeepers: Roman Bürki, Christian Olivares 
• Defenders: Kyle Hiebert, Jaziel Orozco, Tomas Totland, Timo Baumgartl, Fallou Fall, Jake Girdwood-Reich (on loan) 
• Midfielders: Marcel Hartel, Tomáš Ostrák, Eduard Löwen, Célio Pompeu, Mykhi Joyner, Chris Durkin, Tyson Pearce 
• Forwards: João Klauss, Cedric Teuchert, Brendan McSorley, Sangbin Jeong, Simon Becher, Caden Glover 

CITY SC exercised 2026 contract options for the following players:

• Chris Durkin
• Sangbin Jeong
• João Klauss
• Brendan McSorley
• Christian Olivares
• Jaziel Orozco
• Miguel Perez

CITY SC declined 2026 contract options for the following players:

• Henry Kessler
• Michael Wentzel
• Josh Yaro
• Rasmus Alm
• Alfredo Morales
• Akil Watts

Henry Kessler and Josh Yaro both had their contract option declined, but are currently discussing a potential return for next season, the club says.

Ben Lundt is out of contract and is eligible for MLS Free Agency. He is also in discussions with the club on a potential return for next season.

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

Selmir Pidro’s contract with the club has expired.

Conrad Wallem’s loan agreement from SK Slavia Prague and Devin Padelford’s loan agreement from Minnesota United will expire on Dec. 31, 2025. But CITY SC says it’s in talks with their parent clubs about potential returns.

“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,” said CITY SC President and GM Diego Gigliani. “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.”

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