The Tacoma Defiance released the offseason roster decisions, leaving the current Defiance-exclusive roster with only eleven players (two players still in negotiation). Sounders first-team players who have been involved with the Defiance this season, such as Jacob Castro (GK), Reed Baker-Whiting, AB Cissoko, Dylan Teves, and Josh Atencio, are obviously not included in these decisions. In the 2023 MLS Next PRO season, the Defiance finished second in the Western Conference with 57 points. In the playoffs, the Defiance defeated the Houston Dynamo 2 in the first round and advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals, but fell in an intense one-goal defeat to eventual champions Austin FC II.
via Area Sports Network's House of Sounders on Instagram
Eythor Bjørgolfsson, who was drafted by the Sounders earlier in 2023, is currently the only player who had his contract option declined for 2024, and will, therefore, not return to the club next season. There are several players who are out of contract: Wallis Lapsley (GK), Juan Alvarez, Adolfo Ovalle, Travian Sousa, and Hal Uderitz. Though, no decision has yet been made on the previously mentioned players. The out-of-contract players that are in active contract negotiations are Travian Sousa and Hal Uderitz. However, as things stand of November 16, 2023, there are only nine Defiance players under contract at the club.
Roster decisions on the players out of contract will surely be made within the next few months. The decisions will, of course, entail if there will be respective contract renewals or no further action, i.e., the players will leave as free agents.Â
Cover Photo: Charis Wilson / Sounders FC Communications
