Colorado Rapids Soccer Club announced today the acquisition of US Men’s National Team defender, Edgar Castillo, from Liga MX side C.F. Monterrey on a one-year loan with an option to buy following the conclusion of the 2018 campaign. Castillo will be added to the Rapids’ roster upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate (ITC).
“Edgar is an experienced player that fits the style of soccer we want to play and one that will add a different dimension to our attack,” said Rapids Sporting Director and Interim General Manager, Pádraig Smith. “We believe Edgar will have a positive impact on the field and in the community, and we are very excited to have him represent the Colorado Rapids.”
Castillo, coming off a Liga MX second-place finish last season with Monterrey, joins MLS after spending the first 11 years of his professional career in Mexico. He becomes the Rapids’ fifth offseason signing after the club acquired attacking midfielder Johan Blomberg, forward Jack McBean, and wingbacks Kip Colvey and Deklan Wynne,
“Coming to Colorado is a wonderful opportunity for me as both a player and a person,” said Castillo. “I want to thank Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, as well as Pádraig and Coach Hudson for bringing me to the Rapids organization, and I can’t wait to get on the field and help this team achieve its goals for 2018 and beyond.”
The 31-year-old is a two-time Liga MX champion, winning cup titles in 2008 with Santos Laguna and 2012 with Tijuana. After a three-year stint with Santos, Castillo joined Mexican giants Club America ahead of the 2008 campaign, before going on loan to Tigres, San Luis, Puebla and Tijuana – eventually transferring on a permanent basis to Xolos in 2012.
The Las Cruces, New Mexico, native also represented Atlas from 2014-15 and Monterrey from 2015-17. In all, Castillo has logged over 26,000 minutes in 341 club games across all competitions.
At the international stage, Castillo is just one of two players to earn a cap for both the United States and Mexico. He made his debut on August 22, 2007 for Mexico against Colombia and would go on to appear in four games for Mexico’s senior side and three matches for the U-23 team.
Two years later, Castillo earned his first cap for the USMNT, coming off the bench in a 3-1 loss against Denmark on November 18, 2009. He has made 18 appearances (10 starts) for the United States, including six FIFA World Cup qualifiers, as well as the USA’s 1-0 win over Mexico at Estadio Azteca on August 15, 2012.
Castillo was a member of the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup championship team, as well as the 2016 Copa America Centenario roster that saw the USMNT finish fourth.
TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids – January 9, 2018 – Rapids acquire USMNT defender Edgar Castillo on a one-year loan from Liga MX side C.F. Monterrey.
Full Name: Edgar Castillo
Age: 31
Position: Defender
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 145
Birth Date: October 8, 1986
Birthplace: Las Cruces, NM
Hometown: Las Cruces, NM
