USMNT Defender Edgar Castillo Loaned to Colorado Rapids

According to MLSSoccer.com, United States Men’s National Team left back Edgar Castillo has signed with the Colorado Rapids on a one year loan deal from Liga MX side Monterrey. The deal includes an option for Colorado to purchase Castillo.

The 31-year-old only played in one match for Monterrey during the recently concluded Apertura 2017 season. He will undoubtedly expect to feature far more often for a Colorado side that finished 10th out of 11 teams in the Western Conference last year. The move to MLS marks the first time in which Castillo will be playing for a club outside Mexico.

Castillo made his international debut for Mexico in 2007 and received 3 caps, before filing a one-time switch to join the United States in 2009. He is one of two players to have represented both the U.S. and El Tri in senior international matches.

Castillo has made 18 appearances for the USMNT. The last time he featured on a U.S. roster was during the 2016 Copa America Centenario, though he did not make an appearance in the tournament. The most recent USMNT match he played in was during a March 2016 World Cup qualifier against Guatemala in Columbus.

While the U.S. has historically struggled to find a consistent left back, the failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup seemingly marked the end of Castillo’s international career. He could be brought into the January camp as a veteran presence, but coach Dave Sarachan will likely look to younger players in an effort to build for the future.

What do you think of Castillo’s move? How will he be remembered as a USMNT player?