Damien Perrinelle was a steadying presence on the backline for the Red Bulls last season, stepping into a starting role after just two appearances in 2014 and giving a veteran presence to a backline that saw several players get significant minutes – young outside backs Kemar Lawrence and Chris Duvall, and converted winger Sal Zizzo. The 31-year-old Frenchman was a mainstay while Matt Miazga and Ronald Zubar rotated the other center back spot through injury and international duty.
Perrinelle was in the lineup for 17 of the Red Bulls’ 18 regular season wins, making 28 appearances in MLS play in 2015.
Perrinelle also scored two goals for the Red Bulls. His first career MLS goal came in April at D.C. United, sparking a late comeback that saw New York take a road point.
His second came in Portland just before halftime, doubling the Red Bulls’ advantage in that contest and putting the game out of reach for the Timbers. He also recorded a game-winning assist on a Bradley Wright-Phillips’ goal in a 4-1 win over Philadelphia in October.
