Revolution Cut Ties with Trio

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Hours into the opening of the International Transfer Window on Wednesday, the Revolution declined the mid-season options on Bjorn Runstrom and Jeremiah White, while John Lozano was waived.

All three had seen limited action with the first team this season, and with the Revolution eyeing possible moves during the Window, roster and cap space had to be cleared.

“Not picking up the options is always a tough decision at this time of the year,” Revolution head coach Jay Heaps said after training on Wednesday. “But with the window open, we want to make sure that we can make the roster better for the next half of the season.”

Runstrom, a 28-year-old forward, was signed by the Revolution on Mar. 28 via free transfer and was expected to add depth at the striker position. He made three substitute appearances with the team, but with the emergence of Saer Sene and Blake Brettschneider as the team’s featured forwards, as well as a right knee injury plaguing his form, Runstrom quickly became the odd man out. According to the MLS Players Union, Runstrom’s salary was listed at $76,424.

White, a 2004 Revolution draft pick, returned to the team during the winter after spending the entirety of his career abroad. The 30-year-old outside midfielder/forward signed with the team on Mar. 9 and made two substitute appearances before a concussion kept him off the field. White’s salary was listed at $44,004.

Lozano, a 27-year-old defender, was signed along with fellow Colombian Fernando Cardenas on Jan. 9 and was projected as one of the team’s starting center backs after an impressive preseason showing. But the former America de Cali defender was hampered by adductor and hip flexor injuries and could only watch as Stephen McCarthy assumed the spot next to A.J. Soares. Lozano’s salary was listed at $241,485.

Even though all three struggled to find the field this season, Heaps had nothing but praise for the veteran presence each brought to the team.

“They’ve been great,” Heaps said. “They were true professionals and they added a lot of experience to this group as we were transforming it.”

The roster moves currently leave the Revolution with 27 players on the roster with Lozano being waived. The roster will officially be trimmed to 25 on Jul. 1, the day after White’s and Runstrom’s options expire.