AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin FC announced Tuesday that the club declined contract options for five players, including former team captain Alex Ring. The club declined options for backup goalkeeper Matt Bersano, midfielders Ethan Finlay and Jhojan Valencia and defender Matt Hedges along with Ring. They can re-sign with the team or become free agents. Austin FC picks former FC Dallas boss as next head coach Cutting Ring loose opens a designated player spot on the roster for Austin FC, which means sporting director Rodolfo Borrell could spend a bunch of money to bring in a great player and have little impact on the team's salary cap. As of now, Osman Bukari and Sebastian Driussi fill two of the three designated player roster spots allowed. Ring, 33, made just over $1.5 million last season as Austin FC's second-highest-paid player. Austin FC picked up options for Dani Periera and Jimmy Farkarlun and "remain in conversations" about potentially re-signing defender Hector Jimenez. Backup goalkeeper Damiam Las remains on loan to Louisville City FC of the USL Championship until Dec. 31. After the flurry of moves, Austin FC has 21 players under contract. With new head coach Nico Estevez, Austin FC will begin the 2025 Major League Soccer season in February after missing the playoffs for two consecutive seasons.