On Saturday, Huntsville City FC announced their roster decisions heading into the 2026 MLS NEXT Pro season.
Huntsville have made sweeping changes to their roster after the 2025 season, in which they qualified for the playoffs for the first time in club history. 12 players will depart the club, including midfielder Ethan O'Brien, who joined during the 2024 season and represented Nashville SC in the 2025 US Open Cup.
“As we close out the 2025 season, we’ve made the decision to part ways with several players who played an important role in our success this year, including helping us earn the first playoff berth and win in club history. We’re grateful for their effort and commitment to the club and wish them the best in the next step of their careers. As we look ahead, our focus is on building upon this season’s success and establishing Huntsville City FC as a perennial contender in MLS NEXT Pro.”
– Huntsville City FC Director of Soccer Operations Alec Dufty
2025 MLS NEXT Pro Best XI midfielder Alan Carleton had his 2026 contract option exercised.
Huntsville declined 2026 contract options for Kevin Carmichael, Blake Bowen, Tyshawn Rose, Christian Koffi, Pep Casas, Bryce Boneau, Ethan O’Brien, Gio Miglietti, Real Gill, and Erik Lauta.
Midfielders Moises Véliz and Damien Barker John will depart with their loans ending at the conclusion of the 2025 season.
The following players were under guaranteed contracts for the 2026 season: Zach Barrett, Alioune Ka, Gunnar Studenhofft, Kessy Coulibaly, and Patrick Amarh.
Huntsville City FC roster (as of November 15, 2025)
Goalkeepers (0):
Defenders (2): Kessy Coulibaly, Zach Barrett
Midfielders (2): Alan Carleton, Patrick Amarh
Forwards (2): Alioune Ka, Gunnar Studenthofft
