Minnesota United said it has signed defender Francisco Calvo, the second member of the Costa Rican national team to join the club for its first Major League Soccer season.
Minnesota United signs Costa Rican defender Francisco Calvo
December 28, 2016 at 6:41AM
Calvo, 24, reportedly had been sought by other MLS clubs.
United coach Adrian Heath said in a statement released Tuesday that the club "added another really quality piece to a growing roster."
In 28 matches last season with Costa Rican team Saprissa, the 5-11 Calvo was a consistent starter who scored nine goals and had one assist. Six of his goals came in league play. He helped Saprissa reach the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals. In 2015, Calvo scored two goals in the first leg of the Torneo de Invierno, leading Saprissa to its 32nd title.
Calvo, acquired using targeted allocation money, is expected to join the club pending immigration clearances. He will join fellow Costa Rican national team member Johan Venegas, a midfielder acquired by Minnesota from Montreal in a trade for its first expansion draft pick.
"The great thing about Francisco is that he can play virtually anywhere in the back four, he's an incredibly intelligent footballer," Heath said in his statement. "He has a lot of versatility and his best years are ahead of him."
Ellis L. Williams
about the writer
The Badgers just need one more win for a bowl bid, but that’s been the case going into their past four games, all losses.
