Columbus Crew Acquire Gustavo Vallecilla on Loan from Colorado Rapids

The Columbus Crew have bolstered their defensive lineup ahead of the 2023 MLS season with the acquisition of Gustavo Vallecilla on loan from the Colorado Rapids. The Ecuadorian international is set to add depth and a different profile to the Crew's center-back corps, with the potential to become a key player for the club in the coming years.

The 23-year-old defender arrived in MLS in 2021 on loan from Ecuadorian top-flight side Aucas, joining FC Cincinnati for the 2021 season. Vallecilla's impressive performances caught the eye of the Colorado Rapids, who traded for the young center-back in 2022. Despite limited playing time in his debut season, Vallecilla made an impact when called upon, contributing two goals across 37 league games.

The Crew's loan agreement with Colorado includes a purchase option, which gives the club the option to make Vallecilla's loan move permanent at the end of the 2023 season. This option gives the Crew flexibility and a potential long-term solution at the center-back position.

Commenting on the acquisition of Vallecilla, Columbus president and GM Tim Bezbatchenko expressed excitement about the defender's potential impact on the team.

"Gustavo is a promising young center back and we are excited to welcome him to the Black & Gold," Bezbatchenko said in a release. "Gustavo provides depth and a different profile along the back line, and we know his addition will strengthen our defensive corps as he competes for minutes."