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| (Photo: Philly.com) |
The Philadelphia Union announced a year long loan that sends captain Carlos Valdes back to Colombian side Independiente Santa Fe. Valdes was the team’s third captain and third to be shipped out. The Colombian center back has made 65 appearances and netted three goals for the Union in his short stint with the club.
Carlos joined the club in 2011, from Independiente Santa Fe. When he joined the club, he was a virtually unknown with 4 appearances for the Colombian national team. His stern work effort and diligent defending made him a staple in the Union defense. Carlos had a tough situation being the captain for a team that was imploding. Despite all the madness surrounding the team Carlos earned himself a spot on the All-star team and is now on the cusp for being a regular in the Colombian defense.
This move is in accordance with Colombian national team head coach Jose Pekerman. If there is one person to blame or get angry at it is Jose Pekerman. It has been publicly known that he has wanted this move for a long time. Jose Pekerman wanted to have Valdes playing in South America. Carlos is in a battle for a starting role in the Colombian national team. The World Cup is rapidly approaching and the ultimate honor and goal for every player is to represent their country in a world cup.
The Union are losing one of the best Center Backs in the league but they already have his replacement lined up. The Union signed Jeff Parke who is training with the US National team. The Union also have Amobi Okugo who proved himself to be a valuable defender. Let’s not forget the Union signed former MLS defender of the year Bakary Soumare. Also the Union gain an international spot and free up some cap room to make a move.
On a personal level, Carlos Valdes has become one of my favorite players. It is hard to see a great player walk away. He was a classy defender with a rough side. It is hard to blame Carlos. He is doing the best move for him, can’t fault him for that. Colombia is one of the surprise teams and Carlos could be part of something special in Brazil 2014.
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