New York City FC picked up seven players' contract options on Monday while declining those of Jason Hernandez and Tony Taylor.
Striker Khiry Shelton -- NYCFC's top draft pick before its inaugural season -- will return to the club, along with midfielder Tommy McNamara, defenders RJ Allen, Frederic Brillant and Ronald Matarrita, as well as backup goalkeepers Eirik Johansen and Andre Rawls.
Meanwhile, the club has signed defender Ethan White and midfielder Mikey Lopez to new deals and finalized Shannon Gomez's transfer from Trinidadian side W Connection.
But Hernandez and Taylor will not be retained under their current deals despite making significant contributions to NYCFC in 2016.
Hernandez, a 12-year MLS veteran, started 26 games on City's back line, while Taylor made 14 appearances and scored twice.
NYCFC also declined its option to buy Steven Mendoza, who scored five goals in 24 appearances while on loan from Corinthians, and Federico Bravo will return to Boca Juniors after his loan expired.
Frank Lampard has announced he will not return to the club, while Mehdi Ballouchy and Andoni Iraola are retiring.
Little-used Connor Brandt and Diego Martinez also did not have their contracts picked up.
