Colorado Rapids acquire Gustavo Vallecilla from FC Cincinnati

The Colorado Rapids have acquired Ecuadorian international defender Gustavo Vallecilla in a trade with FC Cincinnati. The player will occupy a U22 Player slot on the Rapids’ roster.

In exchange, the Western Conference side will be sending $400,000 in 2022 General Allocation Money and $400,000 in 2023 GAM to Cincinnati. 

FC Cincinnati may also receive up to an additional $50,000 in GAM if certain performance metrics are met, and is set to retain 10% of any future transfer fee above what the Rapids paid to acquire the defender. 

“Gustavo is a young, explosive defender who is one of the top center back prospects in the country,” Colorado executive vice president and general manager Pádraig Smith said in a release.

“We believe he has the qualities to develop into a dominant defender in this league and look forward to welcoming him to the club.”

Vallecilla first joined Major League Soccer in 2021, coming over from Ecuador. He initially kicking off his professional career with Deportivo Cuenca before stints with Aucas and Barcelona SC.

He recorded two goals in 25 appearances with FC Cincinnati prior to his departure.