The New York Red Bulls addressed a major need on Friday morning, with the announcement that they had acquired center back Aurelien Collin via trade from Orlando City.
The 2012 MLS Best XI selection and three-time All-Star, who had found himself on the bench for the Lions this season, cost the Red Bulls a conditional fourth-round 2017 SuperDraft pick.
Collin was one of Orlando City's first acquisitions, when he was acquired from Kansas City the day after the MLS Cup 2014. The Frenchman made 28 appearances (27 starts) in the team's inaugural season in MLS, scoring two goals.
“We are excited to add Aurelien to our club,” said Red Bulls sporting director Ali Curtis in a release. “He is an excellent competitor and a veteran player that can strengthen our defense. We feel that his experience can also play an important role in helping us achieve our goals this season.”
The 30-year-old had led Sporting Kansas City to a MLS Cup in 2013, eventually scoring the winning penalty kick against Real Salt Lake. Collin made 107 appearances for Sporting over four seasons, which is where he collected all of his honors including the 2013 MLS Cup MVP.
The Red Bulls have struggled at center back throughout the 2016 season without Matt Miazga, who was sold to Chelsea, and Damien Perrinelle, who is still out due to a torn ACL in last year's MLS Cup Playoffs. Newcomer Gideon Baah and veteran Ronald Zubar have both missed time due to injuries in the early part of the season.
