The Rio Grande Valley Toros have exercised club options on 11 players for the 2017 season and have signed defender Ivan Magalhães to a new contract, the club announced today. Additionally, RGV FC declined the options on three players while two players’ loan agreements are set to expire at the end of the year.

“RGV has been a very positive step for our club in completing our technical structure and bridging the gap in development between our U-18’s and First Team,” Houston Dynamo Vice President and General Manager Matt Jordan said. “We look forward to building on the foundation of success we’ve established during our inaugural season as we build towards 2017.”

“We are very excited to return the core of the team from last year,” assistant general manager Nick Kowba said. “We look forward to building off the success from the inaugural season and carrying that momentum into 2017.”

RGV FC picked up contract options on defenders Leo Ayala, Kai Greene and Taylor Hunter; midfielders Eric Bird, Jose Rodriguez, Eric Verso and Charlie Ward; forwards Dzenan Catic, Juan Carlos Flores, Ruben Luna and Kyle Murphy.

RGV FC reached a new contract agreement with Magalhães, who joined the team prior to the 2016 season. The Brazilian defender saw action in 26 out of 30 games in his first year with the Toros. Magalhães’ signing is pending league approval.

The Toros declined the contract options on midfielder Todd Wharton, goalkeepers Callum Irving and Devin Perales.

Forward TJ Casner, defender George Malki and goalkeeper Arturo Sanchez are currently out of contract.

The loan for two players on the 2016 roster are due to expire at the conclusion of the calendar year. Midfielders Emilio Garcia (Pachuca, Mexico) and Jorginho James (Harbour View F.C., Jamaica) each joined the club on loan in March prior to the beginning of the USL regular season. RGV FC retain the right to negotiate with each of the players and their respective parent clubs through the end of the year, and those discussions are ongoing.

RGV FC are also in ongoing discussions with Casner, Malki, Sanchez and Wharton regarding a potential return for the 2017 season.

Including the players whose contract options were picked up, RGV FC now have 12 players under contract for the 2017 season.

RGV FC players under contract

Defenders (4): Leo Ayala, Kai Greene, Taylor Hunter, Ivan Magalhães

Midfielders (4): Eric Bird, Jose Rodriguez, Eric Verso, Charlie Ward

Forwards (4): Dzenan Catic, Juan Carlos Flores, Ruben Luna, Kyle Murphy

TRANSACTION: The RGV FC Toros picked up 2017 contract options on D Leo Ayala, D Kai Greene, D Taylor Hunter, MF Eric Bird, MF Jose Rodriguez, MF Eric Verso, MF Charlie Ward, F Dzenan Catic, F Juan Carlos Flores, F Ruben Luna and F Kyle Murphy. The club also re-signed D Ivan Magalhaes to a contract extension; and declined 2017 contract options on GK Devin Perales, GK Callum Irving and MF Todd Wharton.