Colombia World Cup defender Carlos Valdes returns to Union

The Union continue to make major upgrades in an effort to qualify for the Major League Soccer playoffs for the second time in their five-year history.

Less than a week after signing Algerian World Cup goalie Rais Mbohli, the Union have brought back defender Carlos Valdes, who had been on loan overseas.

In 2011 and 2012 Valdes was a valuable member of the Union's defense. He helped the team qualify for its only postseason berth in 2011 and made the MLS All-Star Game in 2012.

Valdes, 29, was a member of Colombia's World Cup team this year and started one game in the team's win over Japan.

He was originally loaned in January 2013 by the Union to Independiente Santa Fe of Colombia. Valdes left the Union because Colombian World Cup coach Jose Pekerman requested that he compete in South America.

This January, he was loaned to San Lorenzo in Argentina, where he made seven appearances before leaving for the World Cup.

Valdes was a popular player among his teammates during his first stay in Philadelphia and served as the captain in 2012.

"When I left from Philly I always was thinking to come back one day because I think this is my second family and love the fans, the people in Philadelphia," Valdes said during Monday's news conference at PPL Park in Chester. "I love my teammates, and as soon as the World Cup finished, I was starting to think again to come back to Philadelphia."

Union interim manager Jim Curtin said that Valdes will be a starting center back as soon as he is ready. The Union next play Saturday at home against the Montreal Impact at 7 p.m.