Robles, BWP among roster casualties
November 21, 2019 (Official Press Release)
The Red Bulls have declined the option on goalkeeper Luis Robles. Robles is eligible for MLS free agency.
"The entire organization would like to thank Luis for his contributions to the club over the last eight seasons," said Sporting Director Denis Hamlett. "During his tenure, Luis was an important part of the team and the organization, leading our efforts on and off the field. Luis' play and work ethic speak for themselves when you look at the individual and team success during his time. These decisions are never easy and we wish Luis and his family the best in the next stage of his career."
Robles, 35, completed his eighth season for the Red Bulls in 2019 with a 13-14-6 record, with 88 saves and nine shutouts. For his career, Robles amassed a 114-71-53 mark with 72 clean sheets and a 1.29 GAA. Robles ranks sixth all-time in league history with 114 goalkeeper wins and eighth in shutouts with 72. He owns MLS' Ironman streak with 183 consecutive complete games played and earned MLS Goalkeeper of the Year honors in 2015. Robles helped the Red Bulls to three MLS Supporters' Shields, bringing the first silverware to the club. He served as captain for the 2018 Supporters' Shield winning team and wore the armband for a second year in 2019.
Forward Bradley Wright-Phillips is out of contract.
"Brad will go down as one of the best forwards in MLS history, and certainly a major part of the success of this club since he arrived in 2013," said Hamlett. "Brad had an incredible run with this club and will be remembered here as a great player, teammate, and person, and we thank him for all that he has accomplished and helped the club accomplish. This is another decision we do not take lightly and we wish Brad and his family all the best."
Wright-Phillips, 34, wrapped up his seventh season in New York. BWP is New York's most decorated forward with a franchise-best 108 regular-season goals, two Golden Boot Awards, two-time Best XI, two-time MLS All-Star and the first player in MLS history to record at least three different seasons with 20 or more goals. Wright-Phillips played a large role in bringing three Supporters' Shields to New York. In seven seasons with New York, he accrued 240 matches, 205 starts, 18,471 minutes played, 126 goals and 35 assists across all competitions.
The club also declined options on midfielders Vincent Bezecourt, Marcus Epps, Derrick Etienne Jr. and Jean-Christophe Koffi, and goalkeeper Evan Louro.
"On behalf of the entire organization, I'd like to thank Vince, Derrick, Jean-Christophe, Marcus and Evan for their commitment to the club, and hard work over the years. We wish them luck as they move forward in their careers," said Hamlett.
Midfielder Josh Sims has returned to Southampton following the end of his loan.
Homegrown defender Connor Lade announced his retirement following the end of the 2019 season.
The Red Bulls exercised options on the following 10 players for 2020:
Goalkeeper: Ryan Meara
Defenders: Rece Buckmaster, Kyle Duncan, Michael Amir Murillo, Sean Nealis, Amro Tarek
Midfielders: Cristian Casseres Jr., Florian Valot
Forwards: Tom Barlow, Brian White
Ten additional players are under contract for 2020.
Defenders: Kemar Lawrence, Aaron Long, Tim Parker
Midfielders: Sean Davis, Omir Fernandez, Kaku, Ben Mines, Alex Muyl, Danny Royer, Marc Rzatkowski
Forwards: Mathias Jorgensen
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