Columbus Crew SC announced the team’s contract option decisions this afternoon, after the 1 p.m. deadline set by Major League Soccer to submit the decisions to the league. With 13 players under guaranteed contracts, there appears to be an evolution of the Crew SC roster rather than wholesale changes.
Eight players saw their options exercised. Goalkeepers Jon Kempin and Ben Lundgaard were brought back. Kempin was Zack Steffen’s primary backup for most of the 2018 season and made five starts in place of the U.S. international. Kempin provides continuity if Steffen’s rumored transfer goes through.