Options on Four Recent Signings Declined

Add Milton Caraglio, Rajko Lekic, Monsef Zerka and Franco Coria to the long list of members of the 2011 New England Revolution who may not be back next year. According to a tweet from Boston Herald reporter Kyle McCarthy, the Revs declined an option to purchase Caraglio and contract options on Lekic and Zerka. An earlier tweet from the official New England Revolution twitter announced the team had declined an option to purchase Coria.

Could Designated Player Milton Caraglio's time with the Revs be over already? (Photo by CHRIS ADUAMA/aduama.com)

Caraglio and Coria were on loan from Argentine clubs.  Caraglio, the Revs first Designated Player, joined the team on loan on August 2nd and tallied three goals and two assists in 12 matches. Caraglio, an Argentinean striker, showed promise as he regained match fitness having joined the Revs after an extended period without playing regular soccer due to injuries. McCarthy indicted the Revs may still attempt to buy the powerful forward, who turns 23 on Thursday, at a lower price.

Coria, a 23 year old Argentinean defender, joined the Revs on loan in February and played 18 games (14 starts). While showing potential at the start of the season, Coria’s form seemed to fade towards the end of the year. There was no indication that the Revs were still looking to purchase the center back.

Lekic, a 30 year old striker, scored 6 goals and added an assist in 23 games (22 starts) after joining the Revs on April 8th. According to the Major League Soccer Players Union, Lekic’s base salary was $275,004 this season. By declining his option, the Revs may be hoping to negotiate a new contract with the Danish forward at a lower price.

Zerka, a versatile 30 year old who played on the wings for the Revs, joined the team on August 18th. The Moroccan seemed to add much needed consistency to the wings showing promising off the ball movement and crossing ability. He tallied two goals and an assist in seven games (all starts). Like Lekic, the Revs may be looking to bring Zerka, who made $226,000 last year according to the MLS Players Union, back at a lower salary.

The Revs also announced today that they had declined options on Ryan Cochrane, Kheli Dube and Pat Phelan. Due to those three players’ MLS veteran status, they will be eligible for the MLS re-entry draft on December 5th.

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