Wednesday was a day of big moves around MLS with several teams changing up the roster and releasing players, but no team made more moves than Sporting Kansas City. It was announced that six players have been released by the club, contracts have been offered to four others, and five more had their options picked up.

Benny Feilhaber's option was not a decision based on contractual obligations, but Technical Director Peter Vermes did opt to bring back Dom Dwyer, Jon Kempin, Ike Opara, C.J. Sapong, and Seth Sinovic on one-year extensions. 

Four out of contract players were offered new contracts today which guarantees SKC their rights if in MLS. Kevin Ellis, Jacob Peterson, Soony Saad, and MLS All Star Aurelien Collin will now have to make decisions about their future and if they want to stay in KC. There have been ongoing rumors debating the long absence of Collin and his presumed desire for a larger contract.

The day wasn't without surprises either. Three seasoned veterans had their options declined today. It was expected that a goalkeeper would not be returning next season, but it came as a surprise to many that Vermes decided to decline the options for both Andy Gruenebaum and Eric Kronberg today. Neither keeper had a stellar season when starting. Vermes has mentioned that he is already working on a deal for a replacement. Sal Zizzo, acquired from Portland last offseason, has also had his option declined after struggling with injuries through the season. All three will be part of the MLS Re-Entry Draft.

Three young players, two of which saw no MLS action, were also released by the team. July signing Michael Kafari and 2014 SuperDraft selection Victor Munoz were released with no MLS minutes logged and will enter the MLS Waiver Draft. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the day was seeing Antonio Dovale's name on the list of players not returning. The 24-year-old had a promising season with the most of his highlights coming in CONCACAF Champions league play. It is still unclear what the next step for Dovale is if he chooses to stay with MLS.

Earlier this week, news broke that defender/midfielder Laurence Olum had negotiated out of his contract and will play overseas. Sporting chose to confirm this news today along with the other roster moves. 

To add to the confusion with the squad. Igor Juliao's loan from Fluminense has also expired and no word on an extension or transfer has been released.

One thing is for sure so far. Peter Vermes' description for the offseason is true so far, it has been busy.

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About the author
Blayne Riffle
I am a KC native, living away from my true home. I do IT for a living. But I have always been an avid soccer fan and follow many other sports. Obviously there is some KC bias.