The Colorado Rapids acquired left back Edgar Castillo on a year-long loan on January 9, 2018 from Monterrey of Liga MX. He was born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, but he has dual citizenship in the United States and Mexico.
Here are three things to know about the 31-year-old…
1. He learned the game in the USA, but played professionally in Mexico
During his youth, Castillo attended Mayfield High School where he led the state in scoring for three years in a row and was named the New Mexico’s NSCAA/adidas high school player of the year as a sophomore. He played for the best club teams in the southwest and at the age of 14 he was selected to play for the regional Olympic Development Program (ODP), and attended a national camp. Castillo started his professional career at the age of 16 when he made the decision to move to Mexico for an open tryout at Santos.
2. He has experience playing for two countries at senior level
Castillo appeared in three matches for Mexico, including friendlies against Colombia, Panama and Brazil. He made his debut with El Tri on August 22, 2007 at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park against Colombia, as he entered the match in the 53rd minute.
In 2009, and under new FIFA Regulations, the 5’7” defender became eligible to play for the US. The rule allowed players of any age to make a one-time national affiliation change if they held citizenship and had not played in a competitive senior level match for their previous national team.
Castillo took the opportunity to join the USMNT in September 2009, and made his debut as a second-half sub in a friendly against Denmark on November 18, 2009. He started at left back in the US’s historic 1-0 victory in Mexico on August 15, 2012. It was the USMNT’s first win against El Tri on their home soil. Overall, he has earned 18 caps with the Stars and Stripes, and is one of only two players to earn senior caps for both the US and Mexico national teams - the other being Martin Vázquez.
3. He has spent the majority of his career at the highest level of Mexican football
Prior to signing with the Rapids, the Las Cruces native spent 11 years in Liga Mx. He began his professional career with Santos Laguna in 2006, on moving to Mexico, and has played for América (2009-12), Tijuana (2012-14), Atlas (2014-15) and most recently Monterrey. During his time in Mexico, the 31-year-old made 341 appearances, tallying 10 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.
