For the Philadelphia Union, two players who were key to their performance this season will be returning next year.

According to Earnie Stewart, the contract options have been picked up on both Fabinho and Chris Pontius for the Philadelphia Union’s 2017 season. Both will be entering the final years of their contracts next year. They were key players for the team this season and will likely play key roles next season.

Fabinho has developed into one of the best left backs in MLS as the 31-year-old enters his fifth year with the Philadelphia Union. This season was his first full year as the starter as Fabinho made 30 appearances for the club. He didn’t disappoint picking up four assists while also averaging a 7.04 match rating according to WhoScored.

His only real issues were when it comes to fouling as Fabinho picked up six yellow cards during the season. His bombing forward down the flank became a key part of the attack for the Union this season. Fabinho has made 89 appearances for the club and will likely hit the century mark next season but the team should begin preparing for the future. He’s not getting any younger so adding a young left back to learn from Fabinho will be key once the transfer window opens.

Chris Pontius is another player who had an option picked up for next season. This one was more surprising because it seemed like Pontius was out of contract this year but it’s great that his contractual situation is settled because he was a major key to the Philadelphia Union attack and due to him being 29 and having spent eight years in MLS he would have been eligible for free agency.

The acquisition of Pontius was questioned during the offseason due to his price tag and injury concerns. He put those worries to rest and became the best offensive weapon for the Philadelphia Union over the course of the season. Retaining him for next season was key even if it was at a near Designated Player level.

This season Pontius made 33 appearances for the club chipping in 12 goals and six assists en route to a nomination for comeback player of the year. When he was asked about what the award meant Pontius said, “nice gesture. Hope I’m never up for it again.” which is exactly what you want to hear from a veteran.

His work rate and power in the air led to good things for the Union and Pontius will be counted upon to replicate these numbers next year as he’ll likely be the focal point of the offense.

Worth noting as we talk about players coming back for next year is that Brian Carroll looks likely to return.

Brian Carroll talked a lot about preparing for next season. Expect him to be back. — Matthew De George (@sportsdoctormd) November 2, 2016



This is great news for the team as Carroll is an important locker room presence and showed that he can still perform at a reliable level for the team.

More notes on Player movement: