MLS Red Bulls ink new deal with Angel

Colombian forward Juan Pablo Angel, the 2007 Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player, signed a contract extension with the New York Red Bulls on Monday.

Angel has scored 33 goals in 47 games since signing with the Red Bulls in 2007, missing seven games last year with an injury but still leading the MLS Eastern Conference with 14 games in 23 appearances.

“We’re thrilled,” Red Bulls managing director Erik Stover said. “Juan Pablo has established himself as the top forward in the league. We’re excited to have him lead our team in the coming years as we compete for a championship.”

Angel, who led the Red Bulls to the 2008 MLS final, has 33 caps for Colombia. He began his career at Nacional Medellin from 1993-97 then went to Argentina’s River Plate from 1997-2000 and then to England’s Aston Villa.

“I’m very excited,” Angel said. “I think that the league is very competitive and is growing every year.”