CINCINNATI – FC Cincinnati have signed defender Edgar Castillo to a one-year contract with an additional option year. Castillo joined FCC on trial in March and has now been added to the club’s active roster.
“Edgar is an experienced player who has found success playing at the club level in Mexico and the United States, as well as on the international level,” FC Cincinnati General Manager Gerard Nijkamp said. “It is important to have a balance of veterans and younger players and we believe Edgar can be an important piece for solidifying our backline and providing a level of leadership for our younger players.”
In order to create an available senior roster spot for Castillo, the club has correspondingly waived Saad Abdul-Salaam. Abdul-Salaam made eight appearances, including five starts, in his lone year with FC Cincinnati in 2020.
“We want to thank Saad for everything he did both on and off the pitch as an FC Cincinnati player,” Nijkamp said. “These types of decisions are never easy, but it is, unfortunately, part of this business. We wish Saad all the best in the next chapter of his career.”
Castillo, 34, comes to FC Cincinnati following a one-year stint with Atlanta United FC in 2020. In his career, Castillo has played exclusively for Liga MX and MLS sides including Santos Laguna (2006-08), Club América (2009-2012), Tigres UANL (2009-10), San Luis (2010), Puebla (2011), Club Tijuana (2012-14), Atlas F.C. (2014-15), Monterrey (2015-19), Colorado Rapids (2018), New England Revolution (2019) and Atlanta United FC (2020).
In his career, Castillo has made 399 appearances, including 356 starts, scoring 13 goals and adding 21 assists in 14 professional seasons. In three MLS seasons, the veteran left back has amassed 52 regular season appearances, scoring three goals and adding 10 assists.
Internationally, Castillo has made 18 appearances for the U.S. Men’s National Team dating back to 2009. Prior to playing for the USMNT, the defender made three appearances in friendlies for Mexico in 2007 and 2008. Following those appearances, he filed a one-time national team change to play for the United States.
FC Cincinnati will return to the pitch for their third MLS season on Saturday, April 17, when the team opens the season on the road against Nashville SC. FCC will officially open their 2021 home slate on Sunday, May 16, when the team hosts Inter Miami CF in the inaugural match at West End Stadium in a nationally televised 4 p.m. game.
FC Cincinnati’s current roster, listed alphabetically by position, is below:
Goalkeepers (4): Cody Cropper, Ben Lundt, Beckham Sunderland, Przemysław Tytoń
Defenders (9): Zico Bailey, Edgar Castillo, Avionne Flanagan, Joseph-Claude Gyau, Nick Hagglund, Ronald Matarrita, Tom Pettersson, Gustavo Vallecilla, Maikel van der Werff
Midfielders (10): Luciano Acosta, Frankie Amaya, Alvaro Barreal, Allan Cruz, Calvin Harris, Yuya Kubo, Haris Medunjanin, Ben Mines, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Caleb Stanko
Forwards (5): Isaac Atanga, Brenner, Franko Kovačević, Jürgen Locadia, Brandon Vazquez
TRANSACTION: FC Cincinnati signed defender Edgar Castillo on April 13, 2021.
TRANSACTION: FC Cincinnati waived defender Saad Abdul-Salaam on April 13, 2021.
#2 EDGAR CASTILLO
Prounciation: cas-TEE-oh
Position: Defender
Height: 5-7
Weight: 145
Birthdate: October 8, 1986
Birthplace: Las Cruces, N.M.
Hometown: Las Cruces, N.M.
Last Club: Atlanta United FC (MLS)
Nationality: United States, Mexico
How Acquired: Via signing on April 13, 2021.
