Soccer: New York team signs All White

New Zealand defender Andrew Boyens has been signed by the New York Red Bulls in the United States Major League Soccer competition.

The Dunedin-born centreback played for Toronto FC in the 2007 competition, starting in 21 games but was released by the club last month.

Red Bulls general manager Jeff Agoos told United States media the club believed 24-year-old Boyens would provide immediate depth to the team's defence.

"He gained valuable experience in his rookie year starting in a number of games for Toronto FC and we think that his ability will serve us well moving forward," Agoos said.

Boyens has been training with the Red Bulls for the last two weeks and will officially join the team when he receives a US work visa.

Boyens has earned five caps for the All Whites, making his debut in 2006.

- NZPA