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Red Bulls re-sign defender Aurelien Collin

MLS

New York Red Bulls announced Wednesday the club has re-signed hulking centre-half Aurelien Collin.

Red Bulls revealed the news with a statement on their website, and as per league policy, terms and fees of the deal were not disclosed.

Collin, 30, made 23 appearances last season for the Eastern Conference heavyweight after being acquired by trade from Orlando City SC in April. The French-born defender chipped in with two assists for Jesse Marsch's lot.

"We are pleased to bring Aurelien back for 2017," Red Bulls sporting director Ali Curtis said. "Aurelien was an excellent trade last year and he played a pivotal role for us. Many teams were after him so we are all the more happy that we were able to re-sign him."

Collin initially joined the MLS in 2011 from Portuguese side Vitoria Setubal when he put pen to paper on a deal with Sporting KC. His impact was immediately felt, as Collin formed a centre-back pairing with U.S. international Matt Besler.

Two years later, Collin played a pivotal role in Sporting's 2013 MLS Cup run, scoring the equalizer in the final against Real Salt Lake before notching the match-winner in penalties. He was named MLS Cup MVP after scoring a trio of goals in the club's five-match playoff run.

With defenders Ronald Zubar, Karl Ouimette, and Damien Perrinelle having all flown the coop, Collin and Gideon Baah are the only senior centre-backs currently on Jesse Marsch's roster. After joining the two-time Supporters' Shield winner from Orlando to alleviate a rash of injuries, Collin is again a necessity for the club's successes.

In a six-year MLS career, Collin has made 160 appearances - 13 coming in the playoffs - pairing 13 goals with five helpers.

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