VANCOUVER - The Vancouver Whitecaps are holding onto goalkeeper David Ousted, along with nine other players.

The Major League Soccer team announced Tuesday it had exercised the 2016 contract options on 10 players including Ousted, and declined the contract options on six.

"We made a number of positive steps forward the last couple seasons and have a solid core in place," Whitecaps coach Carl Robinson said in a release. "However, we are constantly looking for ways to take this club to the next level and this off-season will be no exception."

Vancouver also picked up the options on 'keeper Marco Carducci, defenders Sam Adekugbe, Jordan Smith, and Tim Parker, midfielders Gershon Koffie and Nicolas Mezquida, as well as strikers Erik Hurtado, Kekuta Manneh, and Darren Mattocks. The Whitecaps also said Smith's loan has been extended through the end of 2016 with an option to transfer from Costa Rican side Deportivo Saprissa.

Meanwhile, the club declined the options on 'keeper Paolo Tornaghi, defenders Steven Beitashour, Pa-Modou Kah, and Ethen Sampson, midfielder Andre Lewis, and striker Caleb Clarke. The club said it remains in contact with all six players, as well as out-of-contract midfielder Mauro Rosales and striker Robert Earnshaw.

"There are still a number of discussions that are currently taking place and we will continue to provide updates when available," Robinson said.

Beitashour, Earnshaw, Kah, Rosales, and Tornaghi will be eligible for the MLS Re-Entry Draft unless they opt out or sign a new deal.

Meanwhile, Clarke, Lewis, and Sampson will be eligible for the MLS Waiver Draft.