The New York Red Bulls have signed defender Damien Perrinelle to an MLS contract, the club announced today. Per club and league policy, terms of the deals were not disclosed.

Perrinelle returns to the Red Bulls after not having his option picked up at the end of 2015. The 31-year-old Frenchman provided a steadying presence to a youthful backline that included 19-year-old center back Matt Miazga young outside backs Kemar Lawrence and Chris Duvall, and converted winger Sal Zizzo. The Red Bulls allowed the fewest goals in the MLS Eastern Conference, conceding 43 goals in 34 regular season matches en route to the club's second Supporters' Shield in three years.

"We are very excited to bring back Damien," said emotional Red Bulls Sporting Director Ali Curtis. "He was a very important part of our team this past season. Despite the injury Damien suffered in the playoffs, we are doing everything we can to support his recovery and we look forward to him returning to full fitness."

Perrinelle was in the lineup for 17 of the Red Bulls' 18 regular season wins, making 28 appearances in MLS play in 2015. He also recorded two goals and a game-winning assist last season. He suffered a season-ending injury in the first leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at D.C. United.