HARRISON, N.J. (Dec. 12, 2013) – The New York Red Bulls announced today that they have signed forward Andre Akpan to a new contract. Akpan was previously out of contract with the club. Per league and team regulations, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“We are pleased to come to an agreement with Andre,” said Red Bulls Sporting Director Andy Roxburgh. “Andre exhibited this year that he can provide us with a solid goal-scoring option. He is a very good professional, and we look forward to him developing as a striker in 2014.”
Akpan, 26, was acquired from the Colorado Rapids on March 28, 2013 in exchange for a conditional 2015 MLS draft pick. He went on to play seven regular season matches for New York, starting one, while notching two assists. In the MLS Reserve League, Akpan was the Red Bulls’ leading scorer, recording 10 goals.
Akpan had been selected selected by Colorado in the second round (22nd overall) in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft out of Harvard University. He was part of the Rapids side that won MLS Cup in 2010 and finished his 2012 campaign with a career-high three goals and 15 appearances. Akpan has amassed 36 appearances and four goals during his MLS career.
The Grand Prairie, Texas product was a member of the U.S. Under-20 World Cup squad in Canada. At Harvard, he was the school’s all-time leading scorer and the 2009 Ivy League Player of the Year.
Andre Akpan
Position: Forward
Pronunciation: OCK-pahn
Height: 6-1
Weight: 190 pounds
Day of Birth: Dec. 9, 1987 in Fort Worth, TX
Hometown: Grand Prairie, TX
Previous Club: Colorado Rapids (MLS)
How Acquired: Acquired on March 28, 2013 from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for a conditional 2015 MLS Supplemental Draft pick.
