Union announce Aurelien Collin signing

Aurelien Collin is officially a member of the Philadelphia Union.

The team announced the free agent veteran defender’s signing on Tuesday morning. A former MLS Cup MVP and U.S. Open Cup champion, Collin has been in MLS since joining Sporting Kansas City in 2011 and has also played for Orlando City and the New York Red Bulls.

“Aurelien is an incredibly decorated player who adds important leadership and veteran qualities to our locker room, particularly with our young defenders,” Sporting Director Ernst Tanner said in a news release. “His ledger of trophies and accomplishments speak for themselves. He knows what it takes to win in this league and we look forward to welcoming him to our club.”

A native of Enghien-les-Bains, France, Collin earned his green card last April so he won’t count as an international on the Union roster. He earned $450,000 last season with the Red Bulls, but became a free agent when his option was declined after making only 16 appearances and 12 starts for the Red Bulls over the past two seasons.