Ledesma joins FC Cincinnati as Cosmos announce roster moves

The contracts of Jakovic, Ochieng, Starikov, and Arango have expired at the end of the 2017 season.

By Michael Chiara@michaeljchiara Jan 4, 2018, 3:22pm EST

In what has been a frustrating and nothing short of heartbreaking offseason for Cosmos fans, the club has announced that several players have left the club on contract expiry following the 2017 season.

The New York Cosmos announced today that five players’ contracts expired following the conclusion of the 2017 NASL Season: defenders Dejan Jaković and David Ochieng, and midfielders Eugene Starikov, Juan Arango and Emmanuel Ledesma.
“We would like to thank all of the players for being part of the Cosmos family and wish them the best of luck with their next team,” said Erik Stover, Chief Operating Officer.

“As we await a decision regarding the future of the NASL, we’ve offered contract extensions to several players that will keep them on our payroll, at a minimum, throughout the month of January and possibly for the 2018 season.” added Stover.

Details of the contract extensions are not being released at this time as the agreements have not been finalized.

Furthermore, four players have recently announced their decision to join new clubs. Defender David Diosa signed with USL’s Real Monarchs on December 1, while goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer signed with MLS’ FC Dallas on December 18. Additionally, Irvin Herrera signed with El Salvador’s Club Deportivo FAS ahead of their 2018 Clausura Season. Lastly, Argentinian forward Pablo Vranjicán signed early this week with Alianza Petrolera F.C., from Colombia’s First Division.

The club will announce further roster moves over the upcoming weeks.

In addition to Jimmy Maurer, Irvin Herrera, Pablo Vranjican and David Diosa finding new clubs, Dejan Jakovic, David Ochieng, Eugene Starikov, Juan Arango and Emmanuel Ledesma have left the club on contract expiry.

Hours after this announcement, FC Cincinnati announced that they have signed Emmanuel Ledesma. In Cincinnati’s official press release, Head coach Alan Koch said the following of the Argentine Midfielder:

It’s unfortunate to see so many players depart the Cosmos at this time, but as a 2018 NASL season cannot be guaranteed at the moment, it may be for the best to see some players move on. It will no doubt be exciting to watch Ledesma light it up at Nippert and I’m sure the remaining players who are leaving will find clubs soon. Stay tuned to Twice a Cosmo for all the latest roster news.

Ledesma joins FC Cincinnati as Cosmos announce roster moves

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