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Red Bulls bolster defense with Ogunbiyi

Ogunbiyi

More than three years later, Babajide Ogunbiyi is a member of the New York Red Bulls.

A second-round pick of the club in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, Ogunbiyi signed with New York on Tuesday after spending his professional career to date with Danish side Viborg FF. He is eligible to make his debut as soon as tonight, when the Red Bulls face Tottenham in a friendly at Red Bull Arena.

At 6-foot-4, 212 pounds, Ogunbiyi was one of the more imposing centerbacks in the 2009 draft class and was a standout in his four years at Santa Clara University. He was taken by the Red Bulls despite not being offered a contract from MLS prior to the 2009 draft. With constant injuries to centerbacks Wilman Conde, Stephen Keel, Rafa Marquez and Heath Pearce, Ogunbiyi, a former Nigerian youth international, provides essential centerback cover for a team looking to solidify its defense after fortifying its attack with the acquisition of Tim Cahill.

What do you think of the signing?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. The weakness in Holgersson’s game is his passing. When he moves up he tends to make bad decisions. His size is a plus in the CB spot. Barklage’s strength is his passing as a former MF. The depth is great but we need to have Barklage, Pearce, Holgersson, Miller healthy for a long playoff run. Conde has also played well in the middle. Ruthven had one shaky game after a few good games so don’t give up on a young guy that has three clean sheets in four starts. Great job by Soler to build this team. Can he lock up Barklage and Lade long term? They are the surprise finds that championship teams need.

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  2. Our very own Gooch would be fun, and critical come playoffs, where we’re bound to get some more hurt players. Rafa is always out, soft, and slow as heck. If Conde who’s been very fragile the last 2 years goes down too, that would leave us with Holgerrson and Pearce (out of position) at CB, Barklage (if healthy) and Miller starting, with Ruthven, and Borrajo as depth. Without Jade pick up, Ruthven or Borrajo are a couple of injuries away from getting playoff run. No thank you when they haven’t even been given a chance during the regular season. If that meant trading Balouchy to get it done, so be it.

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  3. Nice! I’m quite happy the team keeps solidifying the centerback spots, especially given how hard it’s been to keep these guys healthy and playing. I think it’ll be hard for him to break into the starting 11, but maybe he can solidify a spot in the 18-man game day roster. Definitely will add competition at the spot, and for Tyler Ruthven.

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  4. Say what you want about the Redbulls Organization but one thing is for sure they are ALWAYS looking to improve their team and I for one LOVE IT! It may not always work but for fans it is great to see. Lets hope Baba is the real answer to our defensive woes, if so, watch out!!!!

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  5. IDK, i dont think holgersson would make a great right back in mls because hes not that mobile..which is one of the reasons solli was exposed so much during montreal. I actually dont mind seeing borrajo filling in when or if barklage is ever injured, he didnt do that bad against philly in my opinion. The only thing id like to see is if we stick with a 4-4-2 formation is a speedy right midfielder and a left midfielder. Two guys id go after are nyassi from montreal and demba savage. Besides that the roster is filled with potential, good moves by soler and co.

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  6. Wow! I always wondered what happen to this guy. Sort of lost track of him the last few years. He was great at Santa Clara. Being interesting to see how he does in MLS. Red Bull fans should be pleased with this.

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