SEASIDE, Calif. – Monterey Bay Football Club announced its first roster moves ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season on Tuesday, with the club signing defender Morey Doner and midfielder Simon Dawkins to new contracts while exercising five contract options on players including local standout and El Salvador international Walmer Martinez.

Doner and Dawkins return to the side alongside eight other players who were previously on guaranteed contracts for the 2024 campaign in goalkeeper Antony Siaha, defenders Morey Doner, Kai Greene, and Grant Robinson, midfielders Mobi Fehr and Adrian Rebollar, and forwards Chase Boone, Alex Dixon and Sam Gleadle.

In addition to Martinez, the club also exercised contract options on goalkeeper Carlos Herrera, defenders Max Glasser and Alex Lara, and forward Jesse Maldonado.

Monterey Bay released Christian Volesky from his contract, while also declining contract options on defender Hugh Roberts, midfielders Rafael Baca and James Murphy. The club remains in discussions with Baca and Murphy on a potential return for the 2024 season. Three players from the past campaign, midfielders Jesus Enríquez and Nevello Yoseke, and forward Ugo Okoli – are currently out of contract.

Analysis

Monterey Bay F.C. has retained 15 players from its second campaign including defensive standout Morey Doner, who became the first player in club history to play every minute of a season, and experienced veterans in Kai Greene, Sam Gleadle and Alex Dixon. The battle to watch in preseason between goalkeepers Carlos Herrera and Antony Siaha – both of whom had positives to take from 2023 – should be a major talking point.

Where Monterey Bay will want to add is in midfield and finding a way to keep both Baca – whose experience and quality in possession was evident after his late-season arrival – and Murphy would probably both be beneficial. Adding more depth to that area could be the most important upgrade Monterey Bay could make this offseason as it looks for a more consistent 2024 and first trip to the postseason.

Current Monterey Bay F.C. 2024 Squad

Goalkeepers (2): Carlos Herrera, Antony Siaha

Defenders (6): Morey Doner, Max Glasser, Kai Greene, Alex Lara, Walmer Martínez, Grant Robinson

Midfielders (3): Simon Dawkins, Mobi Fehr, Adrian Rebollar

Forwards (4): Chase Boone, Alex Dixon, Sam Gleadle, Jesse Maldonado