HARRISON, NJ (July 31, 2012) – The New York Red Bulls announced today that it has signed defender Babajide Ogunbiyi. Per MLS and club regulations, specific terms of the deal were not disclosed. Ogunbiyi is available for selection for tonight's exhibition match against Tottenham Hotspur in the 2012 Barclays New York Cup Powered by Under Armour on Tuesday at 7:00 PM at Red Bull Arena (TV: ESPN2, ESPN Deportes; Radio: 93.1 FM).
“Babajide is a defender with a lot of potential and we believe he can provide depth to our back line,” said New York Red Bulls General Manager and Sporting Director Erik Soler. “We are excited to bring him to New York and track his progress for the remainder of the season.”
Ogunbiyi has been with Danish First Division side, Viborg FF, since 2010. During his time there, Ogunbiyi made 53 appearances while scoring six goals. The 25-year-old was drafted by the Red Bulls in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft in the second round (18th overall), but did not agree to a contract with the club.
Ogunbiyi attended Santa Clara University. A 6-4, 212-pound defender, who also had featured at forward in his college career, Ogunbiyi played 77 games over four seasons for the Broncos, earning 2008 All-WCC First Team and NSCAA All-Far West Third Team honors in his senior season. Ogunbiyi helped lead Santa Clara to back-to-back West Coast Conference titles and three-straight NCAA Tournament appearances. During his time at Santa Clara, the Gwynedd, PA native recorded 11 goals and eight assists.
In 2008, Ogunbiyi spent the summer training with the Nigerian National Team and was part of the Olympic Team Pool. Ogunbiyi was called up in Nov. 2007 to the Nigerian Under-23 National Team but did not play. A member of the Nigerian Youth National Team Program, Ogunbiyi was born in Rochester, NY and attended Wissahickon High School in Ambler, PA.
#23 Babajide “Jide” Ogunbiyi
Position: Defender
Pronunciation: bah-bah-juh-DAY oh-GUN-bee
Height: 6-4
Weight: 212 pounds
Day of Birth: Oct. 30, 1986 in Rochester, NY
Hometown: Gwynedd, PA
College: Santa Clara University
Previous Club: Viborg FF (Danish First Division)
How Acquired: Signed on July 30, 2012.
