The New York Red Bulls' midfield was one of the main reasons they took home the Supporters' Shield in 2015 and it appears it will stay intact for years to come.
On Friday the Red Bulls announced that they have extended the contracts of Dax McCarty and Felipe.
McCarty was named captain ahead of the 2015 season, his 10th in MLS and fifth with New York. He earned his first MLS All-Star and MLS Best XI selections. The midfielder scored two goals in the regular season and recorded a career-best eight assists. McCarty made 32 appearances in his holding midfield role and lifted the Supporters' Shield for the second time in three seasons.
McCarty also finished the season tied for fourth on the franchise's games played list, with 142 regular season appearances for New York. He is second all-time for New York in league games started, with 137, and second in minutes played as well. McCarty is also eighth on the franchise list for career assists, and fourth in game-winning assists.
Felipe joined New York ahead of 2015, reuniting with Jesse Marsch - the coach that brought him to Montreal ahead of the 2012 season. Felipe was an important cog in the holding midfield for New York, and contributed three goals, including a game-winner at Portland in September, and five assists.
The Brazilian was the only field player to start all 34 regular season games for New York.
"We believe that consistency is one of the keys to success and keeping our core intact," said Red Bulls sporting director Ali Curtis in a release. "Both Dax and Felipe were integral to what we accomplished last season, and we are pleased to keep them with the club going forward."
Another important piece in the Red Bulls' run to the Supporters' Shield will also be back with the Red Bulls in 2016.
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Damien Perrinelle has re-signed with the Red Bulls after having his option declined after the season. The defender formed a formidable center back tandem with Matt Miazga that helped New York concede the fewest goals in the Eastern Conference.
"We are very excited to bring back Damien," continued Curtis. "He was a very important part of our team this past season. Despite the injury Damien suffered in the playoffs, we are doing everything we can to support his recovery and we look forward to him returning to full fitness."
Perrinelle was in the lineup for 17 of the Red Bulls' 18 regular season wins, making 28 appearances in MLS play in 2015. He suffered a season-ending injury in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at D.C. United and his loss was felt as the Red Bulls went on to lose in the Eastern Conference Championship to Columbus Crew SC.
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