Carlos Valdés

Defender Carlos Valdés joined the Union on loan from Independiente Sante Fe on January 20, 2011. On February 5, 2011, Valdes' full rights were secured by Philadelphia.

Valdes helped anchor a defense that finished the 2011 regular season tied for second in goals against average (1.06) with 10 shutouts. He helped limit opponents to just 3.05 shots on goal during the regular season, an all-time Major League Soccer record.

Valdes began his professional career with America de Cali in 2003, where he became team captain and won the Torneo Finalizacion in 2008. The center back was transferred to Independiente Santa Fe a year after, where he clinched a Colombian Cup title and also served as team captain.

Valdés helped the Colombian National Team win the U-20 South American Cup in 2005 and the Central American and Caribbean Games a year later. He debuted with the senior National Team in 2008.

2011: On January 20, Carlos Valdes was loaned to Philadelphia Union from Independiente Sante Fe… On August 5, Philadelphia Union secured Valdes' full rights… Started 32 regular season games and both postseason matches, logging a total of 3,060 minutes… Scored his first and only goal in a 3-0 win at NE Revolution on July 7.

2009-2010: Made 54 appearances for Club Santa Fe and scored one goal...Served as captain of the club and lead the team to the Colombian Cup title in 2009, beating Deportivo Pasto by a score of 3-1.

2005-2008: Made 97 appearances for America de Cali, scoring four goals...Became team captain and helped lead his team to the Torneo Finalizacion in 2008, beating Independiente Medellin  by a score of 1-0 in the first game and 3-1 in the second game.

2005: Began his career with Real Cartagena and appeared in 33 league matches… Played on a defense that allowed 20 goals in total throughout the season.

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE: Helped the Colombian Men’s National Team win the U-20 South-American Cup in 2005 and the Central American and Caribbean Games the following year... After making his debut with the senior national squad in 2008, Valdes has been capped four times, scoring one goal… Competed at the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, helping Colombia to the Round of 16 before losing to Argentina, the eventual champions.