EDINBURG, Texas – Rio Grande Valley FC announced on Wednesday it had exercised club options on 12 players for the 2017 season and had additionally signed defender Ivan Magalhaes to a new contract. Additionally, RGVFC declined options on two players while two players’ loan agreements are set to expire at the end of the year.

“RGV has been a very positive step for our club in completing our technical structure,” Houston Dynamo Vice President and General Manager Matt Jordan said. “We look forward to building on the foundation of success we’ve established during our inaugural season as we build towards 2017.”

“We are very excited to return the core of the team from last year,” Dynamo Assistant General Manager Nick Kowba said. “We look forward to building off the success from the inaugural season and carrying that momentum into 2017.”  

The Toros picked up contract options on defenders Leo Ayala, Kai Greene and Taylor Hunter; midfielders  Eric Bird, Christian Lucatero, Jose Rodriguez, Eric Verso and Charlie Ward; forwards Dzenan Catic, Juan Carlos Flores, Ruben Luna and Kyle Murphy.

RGVFC reached a new contract agreement with Magalhaes, who joined the team prior to the 2016 season. The Brazilian defender saw action in 26 out of 30 games in his first year with the Toros. Magalhaes’ signing is pending league approval. 

• Year in Review: Rio Grande Valley FC

The Toros declined the contract options on midfielder Todd Wharton and goalkeepers Callum Irving and Devin Perales.

Forward TJ Casner, defender George Malki and goalkeeper Arturo Sanchez are currently out of contract.

The loan for two players on the 2016 roster are due to expire at the conclusion of the calendar year. Midfielders Emilio Garcia (Pachuca, Mexico) and Jorginho James (Harbour View F.C., Jamaica) each joined the club on loan in March prior to the beginning of the USL regular season. RGV FC retain the right to negotiate with each of the players and their respective parent clubs through the end of the year, and those discussions are ongoing.

RGV FC are also in ongoing discussions with Casner, Malki, Sanchez and Wharton regarding a potential return for the 2017 season.