Houston Dynamo exercise options on five players, re-sign Jalil Anibaba

The Houston Dynamo have exercised their options on five players, while also signing centre-back Jalil Anibaba to a new contract for the 2017 season.

Their option list comprises of midfielders Eric Alexander and Alex Lima, goalkeepers Calle Brown and Joe Willis, along with defender Kevin Garcia. The most notable player is Alex, who was voted player of the year by the local media.

The Dynamo also rejected options on five other players, while three players' loan agreements that expire at the end of the year, and four players from the current roster are out of contract.

"These transactions are another step in the process as we continue to re-shape the roster and build towards a successful 2017," said Dynamo vice president and general manager Matt Jordan.

"As a technical staff, we anticipate a busy offseason as we remain in pursuit of targets both internationally and within the league while preparing for the upcoming SuperDraft."

Anibaba, who was a key member of the team in the 2016 season, playing 30 out of 34 possible matches, has been given a new contract. The likes of DaMarcus Beasley, David Horst, Abdoulie Mansally and Collen Warner are the ones out of contract.