Union Sign Former New York Red Bulls Defender Chris Albright

by Scott Kessler on Feb 13, 2012 3:12 PM EST in News

HARRISON, NJ - MARCH 15: Chris Albright #3 of the New York Red Bulls looks on during an open practice on March 15, 2010 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for New York Red Bulls)

The Philadelphia Union added defensive depth today, signing free agent Chris Albright to a contract.

Albright is a Philadelphia native, attending William Penn Charter School during his youth. Last year, with the New York Red Bulls, Albright made $100,800.00 in base salary and $104,133.33 in guaranteed compensation.

He entered MLS with D.C. United in 1999, before being traded to the LA Galaxy in 2002. Albright played over five seasons for LA prior to moving to the New England Revolution in yet another trade. A third trade, in 2010, sent Albright to the Red Bulls.

A right back for much of the past seven years, Albright has battled injuries and positional competition over the course of his career. Albright joins starter Sheanon Williams and recent SuperDraft selection Raymon Gaddis as a right back on the Union's roster.

Originally a Nike Project-40 attacking prospect, Albright has moved consistently backward from attack to midfield and then defense. The 32-year-old has 22 caps with the United States National Team since 1999, and played his last game international squad in 2007.

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Correct me if I'm wrong

But since he was a Free Agent and we didn’t get him in the Supplement Draft, we were able to negotiate on his salary unlike the gaurunteed salary for the Draft.

Also when/if Williams goes to the Olympics, Albright is a great starter for his place. Throwing Gaddis in the scene would probably be suicide. Albright with Califf and Valdes anchoring is an awesome vet backline.

by EMc8791 on Feb 13, 2012 3:37 PM EST reply actions

Salary was mentioned to establish monetary precedent.

They definitely negotiated it down.

Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank

by Scott Kessler on Feb 13, 2012 4:33 PM EST via Android app up reply actions

Woo Hoo!

Nice to see the U bring him back home. I got to go to an RBNY autograph event last year, and I had him sign my Union hat. I told him he would be playing for us!

by ccenkner on Feb 13, 2012 4:13 PM EST reply actions

I do not mind this at all.

Add a veteran back, who can come off the bench at any time. Way to solidify our defense and not break the bank. I like it!

by UkraineTrain on Feb 13, 2012 4:15 PM EST reply actions

I really like this signing

I don’t know how much he has in the tank, but in Albright we get a local guy with tons of MLS experience (only 4 other players on the roster have that), a solid locker room presence, depth for the back line, and a player who has been giving back to Philly-area youth for years. He and Ben Olsen have been running ‘train like a pro’ clinics players all over the Delaware Valley as well as free clinics for kids in under-served Philadelphia neighborhoods.

by mk_27 on Feb 13, 2012 4:20 PM EST reply actions

agreed

seems like a solid move! There were some rumors bouncing around last night via twitter that the U were signing or had signed Hernandez to a HG contract as well…. anyone heard any updates on this?

by dangeroo on Feb 13, 2012 4:48 PM EST reply actions

Can he play center back? If so, this is a real nice signing as a defensive “super sub” type who can step in for 3 of the 4 backline positions.

My first thought is that this means there’s a very good chance Williams makes the Olympic team, and they don’t quite trust Gaddis to fill in for him while he’s away.

by Zherog on Feb 13, 2012 5:19 PM EST reply actions

3 in the Back with 2 wing backs?

Could you see sometimes placing Albright next to Valdez and Califf in a 3 back set with Williams and Lopez as wing backs similar to what we saw late in the year? Or maybe place Lopez in the middle with Valdez and Califf and Gabe Farfan and Williams as wing backs?

by DHeinz44 on Feb 13, 2012 6:25 PM EST reply actions

I'd think that Gomez and Okugo would have a step on Albright for that.

Both are more capable, athletic and less injury prone.

Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank

by Scott Kessler on Feb 13, 2012 6:40 PM EST up reply actions