HARRISON, NJ (Jan. 30, 2012) – The New York Red Bulls announced today that they obtained the right of first refusal for 2009 MLS Best XI defender Wilman Conde from the Chicago Fire in exchange for allocation money. New York has signed the out-of-contract Conde and he will be added to the team’s roster pending receipt of his International Transfer Certificate.

“One of our offseason priorities was to solidify our defense and adding Wilman certainly does that,” said Red Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. “During his stint in Major League Soccer, Wilman quickly established himself as one of the League’s top defenders and he will play an immediate role in our back line. He is strong, physical and experienced and he will be a tremendous addition to our club.”

Conde was most recently with Mexican First Division side, Atlas de Guadalajara of the First Division, where he made 13 appearances and scored two goals. Prior to joining Atlas, Conde was a major contributor to the Chicago Fire from 2007-10. Over his three-plus seasons, Conde played in 73 games, starting in 66 and tallied four goals and four assists. Conde backstopped the Fire to three-straight postseason appearances from 2007-09 and was named to the MLS All-Star Team twice and earned a spot in the 2009 MLS Best XI.

The 29-year-old came to MLS from Colombian club, Millonarios, where he appeared in 33 matches from 2006-07. Conde started his career in 2000 with Deportes Quindio and moved onto Colombia’s Deportivo Cali a year later, where he stayed from 2001-05. He was also with Colombian side Cortulua (2004) and Ecuadorian club Aucas (2005) on loan stints.

Wilman Conde

Position: Defender

Pronunciation: COHN-day

Height: 6-2

Weight: 188 pounds

Day of Birth: April 29, 1982 in Cali, Colombia

Hometown: Cali, Colombia

Previous Professional Club: Atlas de Guadalajara (Mexican First Division)

How Acquired: MLS right of first refusal acquired on Jan. 30, 2012 from Chicago Fire in exchange for allocation money.