Markus Holgersson

Acquired: Signed by Red Bulls on January 12, 2012. Team and player mutually agreed to cancel contract on January 2, 2014.

PROFESSIONAL

2013: Started 32 regular-season games (tied for the team lead among field players), including all 17 of the team’s league-best win total … Moved from center back to right back for significant stretches during the second half of the season … Earned lone assist of the season with a flicked header on Thierry Henry’s bicycle kick in 2-1 win vs. Montreal on May 8 … Playoffs: Played every minute of conference semifinal series vs. Houston, starting at right back in 2-2 tie at Houston in first leg on Nov. 3 and at center back in 2-1 overtime loss vs. Houston in second leg on Nov. 6 … U.S. Open Cup: Played 90 minutes at center back and received a yellow card in both Open Cup games, a 2-0 win vs. Reading United on May 29 and a 4-2 loss at New England on June 12 … Other: Played first half of 2-2 friendly tie vs. French club Olympique Lyonnais on July 16.

2012: Named Red Bulls Defender of the Year in his first season in MLS … Led all New York defenders in regular-season appearances (31), starts (31), and goals … Scored first MLS goal on May 13 at Philadelphia in 3-2 win … Missed three matches in late June/early July with left ankle sprain … Playoffs: Played in both of team’s postseason matches against D.C. United … U.S. Open Cup: Played all 90 minutes as Red Bulls posted shutout in 3-0 win at Charleston Battery in third round on May 29 … Played all 120 minutes in 3-1 overtime loss at Harrisburg City Islanders in fourth round on June 5.

2009-11: Bolstered the Helsingborgs backline for three seasons, playing in 80 games and scoring five goals during his tenure. He helped lead the team in a historic 2011 season where the club became the first in Sweden to win the treble, as Helsingborg won the Allsvenskan (Swedish First Division title), the Svenska Cupen (Swedish Cup), and the SuperCup.

2005-08: Played in 89 games and scored six goals over four seasons at Swedish second division side Ängelholm.

INTERNATIONAL

Sweden international (1 cap) … Earned first national-team call-up in January 2012 and recorded first cap against Qatar on Jan. 23, playing 90 minutes.

PERSONAL

Likes to listen to a variety of music when not playing soccer. Was a fan of England’s Newcastle United growing up and still follows the club today. Lists winning the Swedish treble with hometown club Helsingborgs in 2011 as the top moment in his career.