Following a record-breaking season and a trip to the Western Conference Championship, the Colorado Rapids Soccer Club announced that the club has exercised contract options on nine players and will not exercise options on four others for the 2017 campaign.

The Rapids have picked up contract options on goalkeeper John Berner, defenders Bobby Burling, Marc Burch, Dennis Castillo, Eric Miller and Axel Sjöberg, midfielder Dillon Serna, and forwards Dominique Badji and Caleb Calvert.

“We believe that we are in a fantastic position heading into the offseason, in which we will look to make additional roster improvements for next year,” said Tim Hinchey, Colorado Rapids President. “This core group of players will play a key role in our long-term plans and we are excited to build on the success achieved on and off the pitch in 2016."

The five players already under contract for 2017 are goalkeeper Tim Howard, defender Mekeil Williams, midfielder Dillon Powers, and forwards Kevin Doyle and Shkëlzen Gashi.

In addition, goalkeeper Zac MacMath, defender Jared Watts, and midfielders Micheal Azira, Sam Cronin and Marlon Hairston have all re-signed with the club to long-term deals.

Meanwhile, the club has not exercised options on defender Sean St. Ledger, midfielders Marco Pappa and Zach Pfeffer, and forward Conor Doyle.

Midfielders Jermaine Jones and Sébastien Le Toux are currently out of contact, with Le Toux eligible for free agency.

“We would also like to thank Sean, Marco, Zach, Conor, Jermaine and Sébastien for their service and for being part of this historic campaign with the club," Hinchey added. "Despite not picking up their options, the club will remain in discussions with some of the players about a possible return.”

Current Colorado Rapids 2017 Roster:

Goalkeepers (3): John Berner, Tim Howard, Zac MacMath.

Defenders (7): Marc Burch, Bobby Burling, Dennis Castillo, Eric Miller, Axel Sjöberg, Jared Watts, Mekeil Williams.

Midfielders (5): Micheal Azira, Sam Cronin, Marlon Hairston, Dillon Powers, Dillon Serna.

Forwards (4): Dominique Badji, Caleb Calvert, Kevin Doyle, Shkëlzen Gashi.