Union bring back World Cup veteran

Colombia's Carlos Valdes was a key member of the country's deep World Cup run, and will be a great addition to the Union. Credit: Getty Images Colombia’s Carlos Valdes was a key member of the country’s deep World Cup run, and will be a great addition to the Union. Credit: Getty Images

The Philadelphia Union are getting reinforcements.

A member of the Colombian World Cup squad that surprised so many, Carlos Valdes will be returning to the Union after a 19-month absence.

The defenseman spent time playing for Independiente Santa Fe in Colombia as well as San Lorenzo in Argentina, both prior to traveling to Brazil with the Colombian National Team to compete in the World Cup.

Valdes was loaned to the two South American squads and is in the midst of a multi-year deal with Philly. He is expected to start in Saturday’s game against Montreal.

The 29-year-old played all 90 minutes in his country’s 4-1 win over Japan in group play and helped them to win Group C and advance all the way to the quarterfinals for the first time in history. Columbia defeated Uruguay 2-0 in the round of 16, before falling to Brazil 2-1 in the quarterfinals.

Valdes has appeared in 65 career matches and scored three goals for Philadelphia. He was a major part of a defense that finished the 2011 regular season tied for second in goals against average (1.06) with 10 shutouts.

In 2012, Valdes represented the Union in the AT&T MLS All-Star Game.