James Chambers’ contract option declined for 2020; Faris and Willis also departing Bethlehem Steel

James Chambers’ playing days with the Bethlehem Steel appear to have come to an end.

The team announced on Wednesday that his contract option has been declined for 2020. The announcement included news that Faris Pemi Moumbagna is out of contract and will become a free agent and Jamaican international Chavany Willis is returning to Portmore United with the conclusion of his loan.

The team is in talks to bring back defender Walter Cortes, who was on loan from Saprissa last season, and Steve Kingue, Saed Diaz and Jamoi Topey are returning pending valid work status, league and federation approval.

Also returning to the team are Todd Morton, Yomi Scintu and Zach Zandi, who had their contract options exercised and Selmir Miscic, Issa Rayyan, Ben Ofeimu and Shanyder Boreglin, who were already guaranteed for 2020.

That leaves the roster at seven of the minimum 12 guaranteed for 2020. The three pending returnees brings it to 10 and if Cortes is retained they’ll be at 11.

Cole Turner, who was signed to a USL deal last season, is officially joining the first team as a homegrown player on January 1.

Chambers was the last remaining player from the 2016 roster still on a USL deal this past season. The 32-year-old from the Republic of Ireland made 126 career appearances in a Steel uniform.