October 21, 2018; Orlando, FL, USA; Scott Sutter at Orlando City Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters – Orlando Soccer Journal

James O’Connor assured changes to the roster were coming this offseason, following a disappointing 2018 season.

On Tuesday, Orlando City announced those changes.

The Lions declined options for the 2019 season on Joe Bendik, Richie Laryea, Tony Rocha, Chris Schuler, Jonathan Spector, Scott Sutter, Donny Toia and Jose Villarreal, while Earl Edwards Jr.’s contract with the club expired.

Meanwhile, Carlos Ascues, Adam Grinwis, Cristian Higuita, Will Johnson, Chris Mueller, Victor “PC” Giro, Uri Rosell and Mason Stajduhar all had their options picked up, keeping them under Orlando City’s control for one more year, heading into next season.

Those players will stay on board with a core group that already included Dom Dwyer, Yoshimar Yotún, Sacha Kljestan, Josué Colmán, RJ Allen, Pierre Da Silva, Mohamed El-Munir, Cam Lindley, Shane O’Neill, Stéfano Pinho, Dillon Powers, Lamine Sané, and Amro Tarek — all of whom had previously guaranteed contracts for 2019.

Orlando City will have the option to negotiate new contracts with all of the players who’s options were declined.

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