FC Cincinnati midfielder Allan Cruz and defender Mathieu Deplagne have obtained their US green cards and are now US permanent residents, which means they will no longer occupy international roster spots, the club announced Friday.
The club previously had nine international players under contract, one more than the eight roster spots the club is allotted. Friday's announcement means Cincinnati now have one spot to spare.
The 23-year-old Cruz was arguably the brightest spot during a tough expansion 2019 season for Cincinnati. The Costa Rican international scored a team-high seven goals en route to winning club MVP and players' player of the year honors.
Meanwhile, Deplagne was arguably FCC's most consistent defender, starting all but one league match after the Frenchman arrived as the second international transfer during the club's MLS history.
