Photo: Daniel Gajdamowicz
Philadelphia Union announced on Wednesday that midfielder Brian Carroll has re-signed with the club.
The announcement notes Carroll, 34, “was a part of Major League Soccer’s inaugural free agency class this offseason before electing to re-sign with the Union,” adding, “Per club and league policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.”
Union sporting director Earnie Stewart said in a statement, “Brian’s vast knowledge and experience in this game is an invaluable asset and we’re thrilled he’s decided to return to our club. As Brian has consistently shown throughout his career, his professional approach to the game is unmatched, a key factor for why he can still play at such a high level. We cannot think of a better leader to mentor some of our newer players, both on and off the field, for the upcoming season.”
Stewart’s comments support those made by Union head coach Jim Curtin on Carroll, as well as the now departed Conor Casey and Fred, in a press conference at the end of the 2015 season: “They’ve contributed a lot to me off the field, you know, behind the scenes, keeping the locker room going in some tough times so, for that, they still were very valuable…Those guys, it’s no secret age wise, they are getting up there in age. They’ve been active pursuing their licences as coaches, and preparing for that next phase of their career. I think all three guys — again, I don’t want to speak for them — but they do have an interest to coach down the road so, yeah, that is a possibility for one or more, the idea of a player coach and keeping them in the organization because they’re guys that have done it at the highest level, and guys I respect a great deal.”
With the announcement, 18 of 28 spots on the Union roster have been filled:
GK (2): Andre Blake (GA), John McCarthy
DEF (6): Anderson Conceicao (INT’L), Maurice Edu (DP), Raymon Gaddis, Richie Marquez, Keegan Rosenberry, Joshua Yaro (GA/INT’L)
MID (8): Eric Ayuk (INT’L), Tranquillo Barnetta (INT’L), Brian Carroll, Leo Fernandes, Sebastien Le Toux, Vincent Nogueira (INT’L), Chris Pontius, Walter Restrepo
FWD (2): Fabian Herbers (GA/INT’L), C.J. Sapong
DESIGNATED PLAYERS (DP): 1
HOMEGROWN PLAYERS (HG): 0
INT’L ROSTER SPOTS FILLED (INT’L): 6
GENERATION ADIDAS PLAYERS (GA): 3
UNSIGNED DRAFT PICKS (3): Taylor Washington (No. 23), Mitchell Lurie (No. 44), Cole Missimo (No. 64)
Good move. Adds depth and a great example for the young players on the squad.
Fabinho? Or is it not officially official yet…
Still not official.
BC holds a very special place in my heart. The truest professional who steps up when he’s called on. Very glad he’ll be around for however longer in whatever capacity.
Why,why,why? They only way I would be OK with this is if he makes the league minimum. He has been in the twilight of his career for some time, it is time to retire.
Always think he is a great professional and gets a bad rap. He knows what he does and can do it well glad they resigned him as last year he was one of the best most consistent players on the team. I would put him on a team any day.
I thought he was done, and then he went and had a very fine year last year. His skill limitations are such that you would not want him to start, but as Mo Edu’s backup at CDM this makes sense.
I was one of many fans who thought Brian Carroll was washed up. He clearly proved me wrong last year. I’m OK with this signing.
Ditto on both
Glad BC is back on the squad. Likely signed to a more appropriate deal to what he’s likely to contribute on the field this year.
It was awesome seeing his resurgence last year as an on field leader, and if there’s anything this club needs through this transition is a sound minded vet like Brian.
Now if we can actually sign some new players to the roster…
Key to have him for this season. Look for a more stable roster and replacement next. He and Fabinho are fine. I’m expecting nothing more that competency this season. We build for tomorrow on it.
The best case for this team is to have a season of stability and a measure of consistency… BC is just the type of veteran player to help the coaching staff by showing the class and work ethic expected on this team. I hope that he has a great season!!