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MLS New York Red Bulls

Red Bull New York Signs Defender Mike Petke

January 21, 2009 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York Red Bulls News Release


SECAUCUS, NJ (January 21, 2009) - Red Bull New York announced today that veteran defender Mike Petke has signed a new MLS contract and will be part of the Red Bulls' roster in 2009. Per MLS and club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We are pleased to bring Mike back to New York, the place where he grew up and began his professional career," said Red Bull New York Sporting Director Jeff Agoos. "He is a proven commodity and will help solidify our back line. Mike will bring a veteran presence, leadership, and toughness that can only help the club. We are looking forward to his contributions during the 2009 season."

Petke's MLS rights were acquired by New York after he was selected in the 2008 MLS Waiver Draft on Nov. 26 after he was waived by the Colorado Rapids. Petke, 32, played in 134 games, starting in 129 - a club all-time high - and logged 11,520 minutes during his time with New York from 1998 to 2002. He was initially selected by New York in the first round (eight overall) of the 1998 College Draft and helped New York win the 2000 Eastern Division Title. He was traded on Dec. 23, 2002 to D.C. United, along with the fifth overall pick in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft and an allocation for defender Eddie Pope, forward Jaime Moreno and midfielder and current Red Bulls assistant coach Richie Williams.

The Bohemia, NY, native played three seasons with United, making 48 appearances and helping it win the 2004 MLS Cup. Petke was traded to Colorado during the 2005 season on May 23 for midfielder Chris Henderson. In 2008, Petke missed time after early-season foot surgery, but made 11 appearances and 10 starts while scoring two goals. One of those goals came against the Red Bulls in a 5-4 Rapids win on Sept. 27 at Giants Stadium. The 6-2, 191-pound defender has earned two caps for the U.S. National Team and was a two-time MLS All-Star (2000-2002). The former Southern Connecticut State University product has accumulated 13 goals and four assists in 272 games played in his 11-year career.

The Red Bulls open their MLS regular season on March 19 against the expansion Seattle Sounders FC at Quest Field in Seattle, Wash. at 9:00 PM ET (TV: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes; Radio: WADO 1280 AM). New York will open its home schedule on March 28, hosting rival New England Revolution at 7:30 PM ET at Giants Stadium. For tickets, please call 1.877.RBSOCCER or log onto www.newyorkredbulls.com.

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