Veteran defender Aurelien Collin returning for another season

Veteran center back Aurelien Collin will be returning with the Philadelphia Union for what will be his 12th season in MLS in 2021.

The Union announced a one-year deal with the 35-year-old former MLS Cup winner from France.

“His veteran presence has been invaluable for the club and we appreciate the guidance and knowledge he brings to our young team,” Sporting Director Ernst Tanner said in a news release.

Collin didn’t appear in any matches in 2020 after making six appearances in his first seaosn with the team in 2019. He’ll again give head coach Jim Curtin an option to start in an emergency this season. He’s slotted into the depth chart behind Jakob Glesnes, Stuart Findlay and Jack Elliott. Rookie Brandan Craig and second-year players Matej Oravec and Cole Turner can also play center back if needed.

Last season’s Supporters’ Shield run was the second Collin was involved in after winning the shield with the New York Red Bulls in 2018. He won MLS Cup and was named MLS Cup MVP with Sporting Kansas City in 2013.