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Stefan Tonev
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Columbus Crew acquire Ecuador international Vallecilla
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The defender is expected to make his debut against D.C. United on Saturday

The Columbus Crew have acquired Ecuador international Gustavo Vallecilla from the Colorado Rapids for the 2023 MLS season, the club announced on Friday.

“Gustavo is a promising young center back and we are excited to welcome him to the Black & Gold,” Columbus president & general manager Tim 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.”

Columbus sent Colorado $175,000 in 2023 General Allocation Money as part of the loan agreement. The Crew also hold a purchase option.

The 23-year-old defender arrives with two goals scored across 37 league games, initially coming to MLS with FC Cincinnati in 2021 on loan from Ecuadorian top-flight side Aucas. Vallecilla was traded to Colorado nearly a year ago, making this his third MLS club in as many years.

Vallecilla joins after Columbus traded captain Jonathan Mensah to the San Jose Earthquakes last month, leaving Milos Degenek and Josh Williams as their veteran options.

New Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy often plays with three center backs and wingbacks.

Vallecilla appeared in just 12 games in Colorado amid injury troubles and fell down their depth chart. The Rapids count newcomer Andreas ​​Maxso (Designated Player) and holdovers Lalas Abubakar and Danny Wilson as their main options in central defense.

“We believe this season-long loan will provide Gustavo with an excellent opportunity to continue his development while gaining valuable minutes against MLS opposition,” Padraig Smith, Colorado’s EVP & general manager, said in a release.

Both clubs are hoping to recover from Matchday 1 defeats as they fine-tune preparations for home openers in Matchday 2.

Columbus and Vallecilla will host D.C. United on Saturday, while Colorado welcome Sporting Kansas City later that evening (9:30 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).