Washington, D.C. (December 18, 2009) – D.C. United today announced the club has signed midfielder Cristian Castillo. The Salvadoran international standout joins United on loan from Mexico’s second division club Leon FC. Castillo will be available upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and work visa. Per club and League policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"We are excited to acquire a young player like Cristian, who we feel is one of the most talented players in El Salvador,” said United General Manager Dave Kasper. “He has performed well at the club level and certainly established himself as one of the most important players on the national team in the recent World Cup qualifying campaign. Cristian has excellent speed and technical ability, and will be an exciting addition to our midfield.”
Castillo spent the 2009 season with Leon, making 15 appearances and scoring a goal for the Mexican side. The 25-year-old began his professional career in El Salvador with CD Telecom in 2002. After spending four years with the second division club, he transferred to CD Chalatenango in 2006 and made his first division debut. In his two years there, Castillo made 49 appearances and scored three goals. In 2008, the left-footed midfielder joined Alianza FC, where he tallied three goals in 26 appearances before joining Leon this season.
Castillo also brings with him international experience with El Salvador’s National Team. He earned his first cap on April 23, 2008, playing in a friendly against China. He scored his first international goal in August that same year, the lone goal in a 3-1 loss to Trinidad and Tobago at RFK Stadium. His next two goals in El Salvador’s jersey came in World Cup Qualifying, both against the United States. In total, Castillo has earned 32 caps with the El Salvador National Team and remains one of the country’s brightest young attacking players.
Name: Cristian Castillo
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-8
Weight: 137
Jersey: TBD
Date of Birth: August 27, 1984
Age: 25
Place of Birth: San Salvador, El Salvador
Citizenship: El Salvador
Last Club: Club Leon FC (MEX-2)
Roster status: International
Acquired: Signed on December 18, 2009.
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Doug Hicks,
dhicks@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5448,
Boris Flores,
bflores@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5452,
Kyle Sheldon,
ksheldon@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5450 or
Cristina Cruz,
ccruz@dcunited.com
, (202) 587-5440
