In the midst of the MLS playoffs being underway, the teams who aren’t chasing the Cup are doing a bit of roster restructuring behind the scenes. With that said, there are some standout names looking for work ahead of next season and for some, could even be considering retirement. Here’s a look at the names who top the list.
Sean Johnson, goalkeeper, Toronto FC
When Toronto announced it doesn’t intend to pick up the contract option of stalwart and journeyman goalkeeper Sean Johnson, it left the 36-year-old weighing his options for next season and beyond. Johnson, who spent three seasons in Toronto, arrived there after playing six seasons for New York City Football Club and six seasons before that in Chicago. The former U.S. men’s national team goalkeeper would now be looking for his fourth team over a 15-year career, should he look to continue. And with a 73 percent save percentage in Toronto, it might be safe to say he’s not done quite yet.
Damion Lowe, defender, Houston
The Jamaican international whose best years arguably were spent in Philadelphia was released from the Dynamo after a season where he didn’t see any action. His best MLS years were the two he spent with the Union, being apart of their 2023 team where he played 16 matches, starting 14 and scoring a pair of goals as a result. Lowe, who has played in five matches for the Jamaican nationa team is a key part of their qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Erik Thommy, midfielder Sporting Kansas City
After four seasons in Kansas City, Thommy is moving on after SKC declined to extend his expired contract. Thommy, who formerly plyed his trade in the German Bundesliga with FC Augsburg and Stuttgart, scored just 20 goals in in 120 appearances for the club, an average of 1.6 goals per game. Which if you look at the math from the front office standpoint for Sporting Kansas City, that’s not going to cut it, especially for a player you just spent $1.5 million dollars on in 2025.
