Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Union loan Valdes to Independiente Santa Fe

Chester, Pa. – The Philadelphia Union have announced an agreement with Colombia’s Independiente Santa Fe that will send defender Carlos Valdes on loan for the length of the Liga Postobon Primera A season.

The move comes as Valdes sought a club closer to home in hopes of a call to the Colombian national team. All this arrives ahead of the final phase of CONMEBOL qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. Colombia’s first division began its campaign yesterday, granting Valdes the chance to gain immediate exposure in front of Colombian national team coach Jose Pekerman.

"We will certainly miss Carlos for this season, but this is a unique situation,” said Philadelphia Union Team Manager John Hackworth. “We have done everything possible to make sure this move works for both the player and our club.  Our hope is that this allows Carlos the best chance of reaching his dream of playing in the 2014 World Cup."

Valdes, 27, joined Philadelphia on loan from Santa Fe on Jan. 20, 2011. Seven months later on Aug. 5, 2011, the Union secured the full rights to Valdes who was instrumental in leading the club to its first postseason appearance.

This past season, Valdes appeared in 33 matches, and scored two goals. Along with midfielder Michael Farfan, Valdes represented the Union as an MLS All-Star. His play also earned Valdes recurrent Colombian national team call-ups for both friendlies and FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

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