BREAKING NEWS
Photo by ISI Photos
The New York Red Bulls have signed New Zealand international defender Andrew Boyens, multiple sources confirmed for SBI on Monday. The Red Bulls will move rookie defender Eric Brunner into a senior developmental slot to make room for Boyens on the 18-man senior roster.
A first-round pick in the 2007 MLS Draft, Boyens played 23 games for Toronto FC last season before being waived by TFC last month after being deemed surplus to requirements after Toronto acquired Marco Velez and eventually Olivier Tebily along with rookies Julius James and Pat Phelan.
Boyens, a 6-foot-4 defender will provide much-needed size and depth in central defense for the Red Bulls, as well as another option at right back, where he could be used when the Red Bulls are employing a three-man defense (though I wonder if he really has the lateral quickness to be useful there).
Boyens’ signing comes just as the club’s two veteran options at right back are both injured. Chris Leitch is nursing an MCL sprain while Carlos Mendes is nursing a quad strain.
What do you think of the signing? Share your thoughts below.