Many of the names announced as returning for Minnesota United will not surprise fans. Abu Danladi, Christian Ramirez, Sam Cronin, Ethan Finlay, Miguel Ibarra, Kevin Molino, Sam Nicholson, Rasmus Schüller, Collen Warner, Michael Boxall, Marc Burch, Francisco Calvo, Vadim Demidov, and Jérôme Thiesson all had guaranteed contracts through 2018.
The Loons also decided to pick up the options of Ibson, Collin Martin, Johan Venegas, Brent Kallman, Alex Kapp, and Bobby Shuttleworth.
The return of Johan Venegas will raise some eyebrows, as the player often underperformed throughout the season and found himself making only substitute appearances.
Former captain, Vadim Demidov, failed to even make the bench for most of the season, but remains with the club on a guaranteed contract until the Loons can find a new club for him.
The club declined the options on Bernardo Añor, Ismaila Jome, Justin Davis, Thomas de Villardi, Joe Greenspan, Jermaine Taylor, and Kevin Venegas. Goalkeeper Patrick McLain did not have an option on his contract. The club may still renegotiate new contracts with these players.
Justin Davis and Kevin Venegas were the Loons’ first signings with Minnesota United in MLS. The two have been longtime stalwarts in the Minnesota defense, but found themselves rarely called upon in 2017 playing 492 and 540 minutes, respectively.
“Ish” Jome is a local Minnesota player who pushed his way to 12 appearances for the club in MLS.
Roster
As of today’s announcement, Minnesota United’s roster is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Alex Kapp, Bobby Shuttleworth
Defenders: Michael Boxall, Marc Burch, Francisco Calvo, Vadim Demidov, Brent Kallman,
Jérôme Thiesson
Midfielders: Ibson, Sam Cronin, Ethan Finlay, Miguel Ibarra, José Leitón, Collin Martin,
Kevin Molino, Sam Nicholson, Rasmus Schuller, Collen Warner, Johan Venegas
Forwards: Abu Danladi, Christian Ramirez
FiftyFive.One is now on Patreon. Do you like the independent coverage of soccer news from Minnesota and beyond that FiftyFive.One offers? Please consider becoming a patron.
Tags: Justin Davis, Kevin Venegas, Minnesota United FC, roster
