Joel Lindpere

Named the club’s Most Valuable Player for the 2010 season, Lindpere enters his second season with the club. Also a finalist for the league’s Newcomer of the Year Award, the Estonian International etched his name in club lore and became a fan favorite by scoring the first ever goal at Red Bull Arena. Lindpere’s workrate is matched by few, and he led the club in assists last season. He has positioned himself as one of the top two-way midfield players in the league heading into the 2011 season.

El Jugador Más Valioso del Club en la temporada 2010. Lindpere entra en su segunda temporada con los Red Bulls. Fue también uno de los finalistas para el premio al Jugador Recién Llegado de la Liga. El internacional estonio ha dejado grabado su nombre en la historia del club y se convirtió en uno de los favoritos de los aficionados al anotar el primer gol en el Red Bull Arena. Su entrega al trabajo sin pausa lo llevan a destacarse como pocos, siendo también el líder del equipo en asistencias el pasado año. Ha sido reconocido entre los mejores medio-campistas tanto ofensivo como defensivo en la Liga y será un gran aporte para la temporada 2011.

Professional:

2011: Started all 34 games, a single-season franchise record, and set team record with 3,048 minutes played. Scored seven goals and seven assists, good for third and first on the team, respectively. Scored first goal of season on April 21 at D.C. in 4-0 victory. Assisted via corner kick on Ballouchy’s game-tying goal on May 21 at Houston. Registered assist on Henry goal on May 25 vs. Colorado. Assisted on Richards’ goal on June 23 at Seattle. Scored second goal of the season on June 26 at Chicago in 1-1 tie. Had first career two goal game on July 2 at San Jose, scoring both goals in a 2-2 tie and was named MLS Player of the Week. Scored a goal and added two assists in 5-0 victory over Toronto FC on July 6. Tallied only goal in 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain July 30. Scored game-tying goal on August 13 in 2-2 draw with Chicago Fire. Scored 10th career goal, seventh of season on Sept. 21 vs. Real Salt Lake. Assisted on Richards’ goal on Sept. 24 in 2-0 win over Portland. Set single-season franchise record in starts in a season on Oct. 4 vs. Los Angeles, making 32nd start of season. Set club’s single-season games played record on Oct. 15 at Sporing KC, making 33rd appearance of the year. Has played more minutes this season than any other player in franchise history in one season.

2010: Played and started 29 matches. Led team with six assists. Played 84 minutes and scored first-ever goal at Red Bull Arena vs. Santos in the 11th minute on March 20.  Scored the lone goal in the Red Bulls’ season opener 1-0 win over the Chicago Fire on March 27. Earned assist against FC Dallas on April 17. Scored in 1-0 victory over Toronto on Aug. 11. Added assist on Aug. 28 vs. San Jose and Sept. 11 vs. Colorado. Assisted on Mehdi Ballouchy goal at FC Dallas on Sept. 16, and also provided the cross that forced game-tying own-goal. Scored third goal of the year on Oct. 21 versus New England. Scored only goal of Res Bulls’ 1-0 playoff victory in San Jose on Oct. 30.

2007-09: Made 75 appearances for Tromso IL of the Norwegian Tippeligaen where he scored five goals.  Netted a goal against top Spanish side Athletico Bilbao in the UEFA Europa League.

2005-06: Completed his final spell with FC Flora.

2004-05: Transferred to Bulgaria’s CSKA Sofia.

2002-04: Recalled to FC Flora after his impressive spell with FC Valga.

2001-02: Played for FC Valga of Estonia on loan where he scored 17 goals in 20 games.

2000-01: Began his first of three stints with FC Flora.

1998-2000: Moved to Lelle SK.

1997: Started his career with JK Nomme Kalju with an impressive 14 goals in only seven games.

International:
Has earned 74 caps for the Estonian National Team. Made his debut for the national team on Nov. 1, 1999 at 18 years of age in a friendly against the United Arab Emirates. Scored his first international goal on Feb. 18, 2004 in a 1-0 win over Moldova. Scored the game winning goal over Liechtenstein in qualifying for the 2006 FIFA World Cup on Aug. 18, 2004.

Personal:
Has a 5-year-old son named Juan. Lives in Weehawken, NJ. Enjoys to barbeque, play golf and go bowling in his free time. Says his favorite thing about New York is the constant action and the fast paced nature of the city.