Washington, DC (SportsNetwork.com) - Just a few days after their season came to a close, D.C. United began reshaping its roster for next season on Wednesday, declining contract options on forwards Carlos Ruiz and Lionard Pajoy and midfielder Marcelo Saragosa.
"We would like to thank Lio, Marcelo and Carlos for their service to the club, and we wish them the best of luck in the future," said D.C. United General Manager Dave Kasper.
Ruiz, an eight-year MLS veteran and Guatemala international, signed with United on Feb. 20 via the league's allocation process and made 13 appearances, five starts, for the club.
Pajoy joined the club last season in a mid-season trade with Philadelphia which sent midfielder Danny Cruz the other way. Pajoy played 32 games with United, tallying five goals and adding one assist.
Saragosa signed with D.C. United on Feb. 6, 2012, having previously played with Chivas USA, FC Dallas and the LA Galaxy. The Brazilian midfielder made 24 total appearances (16 starts) for the Black-and-Red, tallying one goal and adding one assist.
United finished the season a league-worst 3-24-7, but did manage to capture the U.S. Open Cup title earlier this month with a 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake.
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