NYCFC announces sweeping roster changes for 2017 season

New York City FC announced Monday a number of roster decisions for the 2017 season, as seven players had their option year exercised by the club, while others will return to their parent clubs upon the expiry of their loan deals.

First-team regulars Tommy McNamara, Khiry Shelton, Ronald Matarrita, and Frederic Brillant will return to Patrick Vieira's side for the franchise's third MLS season, alongside R.J. Allen, Eirik Johansen, and Andre Rawls.

Ethan White and Mikey Lopez have also signed new deals with the club.

Connor Brandt, Jason Hernandez, Diego Martinez, and Tony Taylor did not have their contract option picked up, while Frank Lampard, Andoni Iraola, and Mehdi Ballouchy will step away from the team as their contracts expire, with the latter two announcing their retirement from the game.

Loaned-in players Federico Bravo and Steven Mendoza will also return to their parent clubs.

"First, I want to express the club's gratitude to those players who are leaving us for their service and for being part of this historic season which saw us reach the MLS playoffs for the first time," club sporting director Claudio Reyna said in a statement.

"Every single one of these guys contributed towards the team reaching the postseason for the first time and they will forever be part of this club's history, even if their journey with NYCFC is ending.

"Our commitment always has to be toward improving our first-team squad and the moves we make in this off-season are with this idea at the heart of our thinking."