Red Bull New York announced Tuesday that defender Andrew Boyens has signed with Major League Soccer to play for the Red Bulls, pending receipt of his P-1 visa. To make room for Boyens, Red Bull New York placed midfielder Michael Palacio on the team's Season Ending Injury List.
"We think Andrew will provide immediate depth to our defense," said Red Bull New York Sporting Director Jeff Agoos. "He gained valuable experience in his rookie year starting in a number of games for Toronto FC and we think that his ability will serve us well moving forward."
Boyens, who has been training with the Red Bulls for the past two weeks, was waived by Toronto FC on April 14, 2008. The 6-4, 180-pound defender from Dunedin, New Zealand featured in 23 games, starting in 21, in 2007 - his rookie year. Boyens, selected in the first round (10th overall) of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft from the University of New Mexico, notched one goal and one assist last year.
The 24-year-old has played on the New Zealand National Team, earning four caps.
Palacio suffered a left knee injury in the first half of the Red Bulls' MLS Reserve League match against the New England Revolution on April 20.
Andrew Boyens
Pronunciation: BOY-ehns
Position: Defender
Height: 6-4
Weight: 180
Born: Sept. 18, 1983
Hometown: Dunedin, New Zealand
Previous Professional Club: Toronto FC (MLS)
How Acquired: Signed with New York on May 6, 2008
Status: Senior International
