The 2013 MLS Supporters’ Shield-winning New York Red Bulls announced today that they signed Team Defensive Player of the Year Jamison Olave to a new contract. Per team and League regulations, specific terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“Jamison showed last season and throughout his MLS career that he is an elite centerback in the League and we are pleased to sign him to a new deal. His performances last year were vital in our success last year,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh. “We look forward to Jamison’s contributions in the coming season, as he continues to be an important part of our squad.”
In his first season as a Red Bull, Olave was the team’s Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year following a stellar campaign in which he helped New York win the Supporters’ Shield. The centerback featured in 29 regular season games, 27 of which were starts. Olave led all New York defenders with four goals and played a total of 2,368 minutes. In games that Olave played, New York, which conceded the third-fewest goals in the Eastern Conference, had a 17-6-6 record. Olave was originally acquired by New York along with forward Fabian Espindola on Dec. 3, 2012 from Real Salt Lake in exchange for allocation money.
The 32-year-old joined Real Salt Lake from Colombian club, Deportivo Cali, on Feb. 20, 2008. He had made 120 appearances (119 starts) for Real Salt Lake, amassing 10 goals and two assists. The Colombian has been recognized as one of MLS’ top defenders and was named the League’s Defender of the Year in 2010. He is a two-time MLS Best XI selection and All-Star (2010 and 2011) and was also part of the Real Salt Lake side that won MLS Cup in 2009. In that year, Olave appeared in 25 regular season matches and played in every minute of their four playoff games.
Olave began his career at Deportivo Cali before playing with Colombian clubs Atletico Huela (2002), CD Patriotas FC (2003), Chico FC (2004). He then returned to Deportivo Cali in 2005, helping it win the domestic championship.
