With the MLS offseason fully underway, teams have started turning their attention to signing players for the 2016 season.
Sporting Kansas City announced on Wednesday that the club has signed defender Seth Sinovic and goalkeeper Jon Kempin to new contracts. Per MLS policy, terms of the agreements will not be disclosed.
In addition, Sporting Kansas City announced the signing of Kenyan international midfielder Lawrence Olum, who previously played for the club from 2011-2014. He will be added to Sporting KC's senior roster for the 2016 season pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P1 Visa.
"We are very excited to have these three players back in 2016," Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said in a team statement. "Seth and Lawrence have extensive experience at the top level, while Jon has continued to improve each year with the club. Collectively they will help bring a winning mentality to the team."
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Sinovic, 28, has started 152 of 154 appearances in all competitions since joining Sporting KC in 2011. A native of Leawood, Kansas, Sinovic was named the club's Defender of the Year in 2014.
Kempin, 22, has made nine appearances in all competitions for Sporting KC since becoming the club's first Homegrown Player in 2010. The Overland Park, Kansas, native most recently made his MLS postseason debut on Oct. 29, making three saves in the longest penalty kick shootout in MLS history against the Portland Timbers.
Sinovic and Kempin both had their options declined before re-negotiating new deals with Sporting.
Olum, 31, was a member of Sporting KC from 2011-2014, making 83 appearances in all competitions with three goals and three assists. He joined Malaysian side Kedah FA last November and helped the team win the 2015 Malaysia Premier League earlier this year.
Olum has earned four caps for the Kenya Men's National Team since debuting for the Harambee Stars in May 2014. He most recently played for Kenya in a 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zambia on Sept. 6.
In addition, Colorado Rapids announced on Wednesday that defender Sean St. Ledger has signed a new contract with the club. Per MLS and club policy, terms of the deal were not being disclosed. His option was also declined by the Rapids before the two parties negotiated a new contract.
St. Ledger, 30, recently completed his first season in Major League Soccer. The Irish international started all 12 matches he saw action in for the Rapids, adding two assists in 1,048 minutes. St. Ledger also played in 15 matches (14 starts) for Orlando City SC before his release on August 1.
“Sean has become very important very quickly during his time at Colorado Rapids,” said Paul Bravo, vice president of soccer operations and technical director in a team release. "He brings experience and quality to the back line and we are very pleased to have secured his future at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park."
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"I am delighted to sign a new contract with the Colorado Rapids,” added St. Ledger. “I moved mid-season and felt at home immediately. It will be great to have a proper pre-season training camp with the group and kick-on in 2016. I am really excited with the plans the club are making for next year."
