Minnesota United adds defender Tyrone Mears in MLS re-entry draft

Let the rivalry mount.

With their fourth pick in stage one of the re-entry draft Friday, the Loons took 34-year-old defender Tyrone Mears, who had 16 starts and 20 appearances with fellow expansion team Atlanta United this past season. Mears notched a goal and assist in his 1,498 minutes. He also made $183,756, per the MLS Players Association.

"Tyrone is a very experienced player who has featured in the Premier League and won an MLS Cup," Minnesota United coach Adrian Heath said per a release. "He's an exceptional athlete, so his age doesn't worry me. Most importantly, he gives us great depth in both fullback positions. Having spoken to the people at Atlanta, we know we're getting a great professional."

In 2016, Mears started 32 of 32 matches with Seattle, which won the MLS Cup. He also led that club in minutes in 2015. Prior to that, the fullback played in more than 200 Premier League and Championship matches in his native England.

This was United's second addition of the offseason after adding midfielder Harrison Heath, the coach's son, this past Sunday in a trade. Harrison Heath also came from Atlanta.

Stage two of the re-entry draft is next Thursday.