Philadelphia Union Sign Free Agent Defender Aurelien Collin
Former MLS Cup champion, three-time MLS All-Star, MLS Best XI defender joins Union
CHESTER, Pa. (January 22, 2019) – Philadelphia Union announced today that the club has signed free agent defender Aurelien Collin (pronounced: are-RELL-ee-in COLL-in). A centerback, Collin joins the Union with eight years of Major League Soccer experience, as well as professional stints in Scotland, Greece, Wales and Portugal.
Collin is a former MLS Cup Champion and MLS Cup MVP, both achieved in 2013 with Sporting Kansas City. He won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 2012 and was also named MLS Best XI that season. Additionally, he helped the New York Red Bulls win the Supporters’ Shield last year, and was an MLS All-Star in 2012, 2013 and 2014.
“Aurelien is an incredibly decorated player who adds important leadership and veteran qualities to our locker room, particularly with our young defenders,” said Ernst Tanner, Union Sporting Director. “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.”
Collin has spent the last eight years of his career in Major League Soccer, most recently with the New York Red Bulls, a club that he joined in 2016. He began his MLS career in 2011 with Sporting Kansas City, where he made 107 appearances over four seasons and was named an MLS All-Star three times (2012, 2013, 2014). In 2012, Collin helped SKC win the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and was named MLS Best XI after a year that saw him notch three goals and one assist in 29 regular-season appearances.
PLAYER BIO: Aurelien Collin
One year later, Collin was a part of the 2013 MLS Cup champions, scoring the game-tying goal in the 76th minute of the final vs. Real Salt Lake. He then converted a penalty in the resulting shootout that saw SKC win the club’s second title.
Ahead of the 2015 campaign, Collin was traded to Orlando City SC and was part of that club’s inaugural roster. He played parts of two years for the Lions before being traded to the Red Bulls in early 2016. All told, he has made 176 MLS regular-season appearances with an additional 13 postseason games played. He has scored 13 career regular-season goals.
Prior to MLS, Collin spent time in the academies of both Sedan and Amiens in his native France, as well as with Spanish outfit RCD Mallorca. He signed his first senior deal ahead of the 2007-08 season with Scottish Premier League side Gretna FC. In 2008, Collin joined Greek club Panserraikos, followed by Welsh club Wrexham FC and then Vitoria Setubal of the Portuguese topflight.
TRANSACTION: Philadelphia Union sign defender Aurelien Collin as a free agent on January 22, 2019
Name: Aurelien Collin (pronounced: are-RELL-ee-in COLL-in)
Position: Defender
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 169
Born: March 8, 1986 in Enghien-les-Bains, France
Hometown: Enghien-les-Bains, France
Citizenship: France, Venezuela
Acquired: Philadelphia Union sign defender Aurelien Collin as a free agent on January 22, 2019
Previous Experience: New York Red Bulls (2016-2018), Orlando City SC (2015-2016), Sporting Kansas City (2011-2014), Vitoria Setubal (2009-2011), Wrexham (2009), Panserraikos (2008-2009), Gretna (2007-2008)
