Union, goalkeeper Mondragon part ways

The Union and Faryd Mondragon said Monday that they have mutually agreed to part ways so the goalkeeper can return to his native Colombia and play for Colombian First Division team Deportivo Cali.

Mondragon, 40, made his professional debut with Cali in 1990 when he was 21.

"For family reasons, I have requested the club to allow me the opportunity to finish my career where it started," Mondragon said in a statement. "I am extremely thankful with our fans, especially Sons of Ben, the best fans in MLS, our ownership, technical staff, my teammates, and everyone in the city of Philadelphia whom always made me feel at home and made the 2011 season one I will never forget."

Mondragon signed with the Union on Jan. 20, 2011, on a free transfer from Germany's top-tier FC Cologne. He started 27 matches, and posted a 62 percent save percentage with seven shutouts.

Mondragon became the Union's second straight all-star representative, starting against Manchester United in the 2011 midseason showcase.

He finished second in the 2011 MLS goalkeeper-of-the year voting, behind only Seattle's now-retired Kasey Keller.

"We understand that family is important above all else, and we decided that it was of the utmost importance to grant him his request of finishing his career with his childhood club," Union manager Peter Nowak said. - Inquirer staff