Major League Soccer: Roster Updates

Aaron Long says goodbye to the NYRB.
Aaron Long says goodbye to the NYRB. / Ira L. Black - Corbis/GettyImages
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With the 2023 Major League Soccer season fast approaching, teams are making several changes to strengthen their rosters.

While certain clubs are using the transfer window to add depth, others are letting go of players ahead of the new campaign. Here's all you need to know about the recent MLS roster changes...

1. Nashville SC sign Tyler Freeman

Atlanta United v Nashville SC
Nashville SC sign Tyler Freeman. / Brett Carlsen/GettyImages

Nashville SC have signed forward Tyler Freeman through the 2026 Major League Soccer season.

He joins from the D.C. United’s USL Championship affiliate Loudon United FC, where he managed eight goals in 24 appearances last season. Freeman also saw 45 minutes with the Black-and-Red against Flower City Union in the third round of the 2022 US Open Cup.

The forward stands as a product of the Sporting Kansas City Academy, becoming the SKC's youngest-ever homegrown signing ahead of the 2019 season as a 15-year-old. During his time with the club, he played 35 games for Sporting Kansas City II.

He’s also a former US youth international, representing the country at the Under 14, Under 16 and Under 17 levels. 

2. Atlanta United part ways with Emerson Hyndman

Emerson Hyndman
Atlanta United FC part ways with Emerson Hyndman. / Perry McIntyre/ISI Photos/GettyImages

Atlanta United has parted ways with Emerson Hyndman, after the two parties “mutually agreed to terminate the contract” of the midfielder. 

“We had a good conversation with Emerson and decided together that it would be mutually beneficial for him to get a fresh start,” Atlanta United Vice President and Technical Director Carlos Bocanegra said. 

“He has been a great professional and teammate throughout his time in Atlanta and we want to thank him for his contributions to the club. We wish him the best in his future.”

Hyndman first joined Atlanta during the MLS Secondary Transfer Window in July 2019, before recording four goals and six assists in 51 overall appearances for the club.

The midfielder played 15 MLS games during his first season, helping the club win its first U.S. Open Cup and Campeones Cup titles in 2019. He made a career-best 20 MLS appearances in 2020 and, a combined 16 appearances over the past two seasons as he missed time due to injury.

3. Aaron Long says goodbye to the NY Red Bulls

Aaron Long
Aaron Long says goodbye to the New York Red Bulls. / Ira L. Black - Corbis/GettyImages

After seven years with the team, defender Aaron Long is saying goodbye to the New York Red Bulls.

The USMNT player revealed his departure on social media, posting a message of gratitude to the club, fans and teammates. 

“Thank you! The last seven years was better than I could’ve ever imagined. Thank you to the club for believing in me. Thank you to the fans for supporting us through the ups and downs. Thank you to the coaches and staff for guiding us along the way. Lastly, thank you to my amazing teammates who made my journey so special and pushed me to be the player I am today. Truly grateful and wishing the boys and the club nothing but the best.”

The player currently stands as a free agent, after his contract with the New York Red Bulls expired. 

Though Long has not revealed where he will play next, the Seattle Sounders and LAFC are rumored to be in the hunt for the defender.