Edgar Eduardo Castillo
Encyclopedia
Edgar Eduardo Castillo Carrillo (born October 8, 1986, in Las Cruces, New Mexico
, United States
) is an American
soccer player. He signed with Club Tijuana
prior to the 2012 season. Castillo is noted for having played for two national football teams, first for Mexico (from August 2007 to May 2009), and then for the United States of which he debuted for on November 18, 2009.
under coach Arturo Garibay. In 2002, as a sophomore, he was named NSCAA
/Adidas
High School State Player of the Year. He was one of the top players in New Mexico as he helped and led Mayfield High School to two State Championship games.
He first gained notice from professional teams in 2005 playing for his local club team in the Dallas Cup
, one of the world's top youth tournaments. His team made it to the Dallas Cup final for the Super Group but went down to Atletico Paranaense of Brazil
1-0.
Castillo was also a player for the Olympic Development Program regional pool for many years. His younger brother, Noel Castillo, is currently on the reserve team for Indios de Ciudad Juarez
of Mexico.
of the Primera División de México
. After becoming a first team regular at Santos, and winning the championship in 2008, Castillo transferred mid season to Club América
in January 2009. During the off-season, Castillo was placed on loan to Tigres UANL and will play for them during the 2009/10 season. He scored his first goal for Tigres against his former side, Santos Laguna, on August 30, 2009.
On 23 November 2011, Castillo agreed a deal to sign for Club Tijuana
coach Hugo Sánchez
called Castillo for the three upcoming friendlies
with Colombia
, Panama
, and Brazil
.
On August 22, 2007, Castillo made his debut with the Mexican national squad and entered at the 53rd minute in the friendly match against Colombia. In March, 2008 he was also a member of the Mexico U-23 squad which participated in the 2008 CONCACAF Men Pre-Olympic Tournament in order to qualify for the 2008 Summer Olympics
.
He was called up by Sven-Göran Eriksson
to be on the 23-man roster for the Mexican national team, but he was benched during the game against Honduras
on August 20, 2008. On November 12, 2008, Castillo appeared in a friendly match against Ecuador
in Phoenix
, Arizona
. He replaced Francisco Fonseca
as Mexico beat Ecuador 2–1. He was called up for the national team again on January 28, 2009, in a friendly against Sweden
. Castillo was called up to the national side for World Cup qualifiers
against Costa Rica
in Mexico City and Honduras
in San Pedro Sula
on March 28 and April 1, 2009 but was unable to travel to either match because he had "lost" his Mexican passport.
because he had yet to make an appearance for Mexico in a competitive match at senior level, as opposed to an international friendly or an A-grade international. The new rule allowed players of any age to make a one-time change of footballing nationality if they held citizenship in their new country and have not played in a competitive match at senior level for their previous country. The previous rule only allowed a change if the player was under 21.
On June 29, 2009, he was asked about possibly playing for the United States, saying, "I would play for the United States. I'd want to talk to them first, but I want to play for the U.S. I think it would be a very good opportunity for me, for my career. If they call me I would play for them." Castillo also said, "I have made my decision. I want to represent the country where I was born, the place where I live."
On September 2009, Castillo was cleared by FIFA to join the United States national team. On October 31, 2009 Castillo reveals to Mexican media after a Tigres UANL match vs Estudiantes Tecos that he had received a call earlier that day and stated "I was called up for training with the USA team
and I am expected to appear to play against Denmark
....I'm hoping to give a good impression".
Castillo made his USA debut as a second-half sub in a friendly against Denmark in which they lost on November 18, 2009. He is now the second player to earn caps for both Mexico and the United States, joining Martin Vasquez
, who played non-FIFA-recognized matches with Mexico in 1992 and 1993 before receiving official call-ups to the US starting in 1996.
Castillo's decision to join the USMNT triggered a strongly negative response from Mexican fans. "When I changed to the U.S. national team, it was a hard time for me because people called me a traitor and stuff like that," Castillo remarked. He further elaborated on his decision, ultimately stating, "It's a big priority," Castillo said of playing for the United States. "I was born in the U.S. Even though I've played a lot in Mexico, because Mexico has been treating me good, I changed to the U.S. national team and I think I made a good choice."
Castillo has since been recalled to the USMNT under new head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, and started against Mexico
on August 10, 2011.
Las Cruces, New Mexico
Las Cruces, also known as "The City of the Crosses", is the county seat of Doña Ana County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 97,618 in 2010 according to the 2010 Census, making it the second largest city in the state....
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
) is an American
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
soccer player. He signed with Club Tijuana
Club Tijuana
Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles de Caliente is a Mexican football team from Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico. Tijuana plays in the Primera División de México It was founded in January 2007. The colors that identify the club are red and black.-History:...
prior to the 2012 season. Castillo is noted for having played for two national football teams, first for Mexico (from August 2007 to May 2009), and then for the United States of which he debuted for on November 18, 2009.
Youth
Castillo grew up in Las Cruces, New Mexico and played for Mayfield High SchoolMayfield High School (New Mexico)
Mayfield High School is one of three traditional public high schools in Las Cruces, New Mexico. As of 2009-2010, the school has over 2,300 students and 130 teachers, and covers grades 9-12. The school is a part of the Las Cruces Public Schools district....
under coach Arturo Garibay. In 2002, as a sophomore, he was named NSCAA
NSCAA
The National Soccer Coaches Association of America is an organization of American soccer coaches founded in 1941. The NSCAA has grown from a handful of college soccer coaches to more than 22,000 members, making it the largest coaching organization in the world. Its members coach at all levels of...
/Adidas
Adidas
Adidas AG is a German sports apparel manufacturer and parent company of the Adidas Group, which consists of the Reebok sportswear company, TaylorMade-Adidas golf company , and Rockport...
High School State Player of the Year. He was one of the top players in New Mexico as he helped and led Mayfield High School to two State Championship games.
He first gained notice from professional teams in 2005 playing for his local club team in the Dallas Cup
Dallas Cup
The Dallas Cup is an international football tournament for invited youth teams, held annually in Dallas, Texas. It was first held in 1980. The current champion is Cruzeiro...
, one of the world's top youth tournaments. His team made it to the Dallas Cup final for the Super Group but went down to Atletico Paranaense of Brazil
Brazil
Brazil , officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest country in South America. It is the world's fifth largest country, both by geographical area and by population with over 192 million people...
1-0.
Castillo was also a player for the Olympic Development Program regional pool for many years. His younger brother, Noel Castillo, is currently on the reserve team for Indios de Ciudad Juarez
Indios de Ciudad Juarez
Club de Futbol Indios de Ciudad Juárez commonly known as Indios or Los Indios de Juárez is a Mexican football team. It emerged after the Pachuca Juniors team moved to Ciudad Juarez. Most of the players belonged to Pachuca as reserves from the first team or are younger talent...
of Mexico.
Professional career
Castillo began his professional career with Santos LagunaSantos Laguna
Club Santos Laguna is a Mexican football club. They represent the urban area of Comarca Lagunera, which is made up of Torreón, Gomez Palacio, and Lerdo. Santos Laguna currently plays in the Primera División. The club was founded in 1982, and reached Mexico's top division after buying the franchise...
of the Primera División de México
Primera División de México
The Primera División Profesional , known simply as the Primera División, is the top level of the Mexican football league system and is administered by the Mexican Football Federation. It was established in 1943 and as of 2011 has 18 clubs. Up to June 2011, it was divided into three groups competing...
. After becoming a first team regular at Santos, and winning the championship in 2008, Castillo transferred mid season to Club América
Club América
Club América is a Mexican Professional football club based in Mexico City. It competes in the Primera División, the top professional league in the country. The team's nickname is Las Águilas ....
in January 2009. During the off-season, Castillo was placed on loan to Tigres UANL and will play for them during the 2009/10 season. He scored his first goal for Tigres against his former side, Santos Laguna, on August 30, 2009.
On 23 November 2011, Castillo agreed a deal to sign for Club Tijuana
With Mexico
In early August 2007, Mexico national football teamMexico national football team
The Mexican national football team represents Mexico in association football and is governed by the Mexican Football Federation , the governing body for football in Mexico. Mexico's home stadium is the Estadio Azteca and their head coach is José Manuel de la Torre...
coach Hugo Sánchez
Hugo Sánchez
Hugo Sánchez Márquez , popularly nicknamed Pentapichichi, or Hugol, is a Mexican football coach and former striker. He played for four European clubs, including Real Madrid. Sanchez is considered the first highly talented Mexican player. He was also a member of the Mexico national team, and...
called Castillo for the three upcoming friendlies
Exhibition game
An exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition...
with Colombia
Colombia national football team
The Colombian national football team represents Colombia in international football competitions and is controlled by the Colombian Football Federation. It is a member of the CONMEBOL...
, Panama
Panama national football team
The Panama national football team is the national team of Panama and is controlled by the Panamanian Football Federation. Panama reached the 2006 World Cup CONCACAF Final Round in the qualifiers and finished as runners-up at the final game of the 2005 Gold Cup...
, and Brazil
Brazil national football team
The Brazil national football team represents Brazil in international men's football and is controlled by the Brazilian Football Confederation , the governing body for football in Brazil. They are a member of the International Federation of Association Football since 1923 and also a member of the...
.
On August 22, 2007, Castillo made his debut with the Mexican national squad and entered at the 53rd minute in the friendly match against Colombia. In March, 2008 he was also a member of the Mexico U-23 squad which participated in the 2008 CONCACAF Men Pre-Olympic Tournament in order to qualify for the 2008 Summer Olympics
2008 Summer Olympics
The 2008 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, was a major international multi-sport event that took place in Beijing, China, from August 8 to August 24, 2008. A total of 11,028 athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees competed in 28 sports and 302 events...
.
He was called up by Sven-Göran Eriksson
Sven-Göran Eriksson
Sven-Göran Eriksson , in Sweden commonly referred to just by his nickname Svennis, is a Swedish ex-football manager. From October 2010 to October 2011 he managed Football League Championship side Leicester City....
to be on the 23-man roster for the Mexican national team, but he was benched during the game against Honduras
Honduras national football team
The Honduran national football team, nicknamed Los Catrachos, La Bicolor or La H, is the national team of Honduras and is controlled by the Federación Nacional Autónoma de Fútbol de Honduras...
on August 20, 2008. On November 12, 2008, Castillo appeared in a friendly match against Ecuador
Ecuador national football team
The Ecuadorian national football team represents Ecuador in international football competitions and is controlled by the Ecuadorian Football Federation. They generally play official home matches at Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa in Quito, but often play friendlies in other stadiums around the country...
in Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
, Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
. He replaced Francisco Fonseca
Francisco Fonseca
José Francisco "Kikin" Fonseca Guzmán is a Mexican football striker. He currently plays for Atlante F.C..-Career:...
as Mexico beat Ecuador 2–1. He was called up for the national team again on January 28, 2009, in a friendly against Sweden
Sweden national football team
The Swedish national football team represents Sweden in association football and is controlled by the Swedish Football Association, the governing body for Football in Sweden. Sweden's home ground is Råsunda Stadium in Stockholms län and their head coach is Erik Hamrén. Sweden made their first...
. Castillo was called up to the national side for World Cup qualifiers
2010 FIFA World Cup qualification - CONCACAF Fourth Round
This page provides the summaries of the CONCACAF Fourth Round, often referred to as "The Hexagonal" or "The Hex", matches for the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification...
against Costa Rica
Costa Rica national football team
The Costa Rica national football team, nicknamed La Sele, is the national team of Costa Rica and is controlled by the Federación Costarricense de Fútbol. Costa Rica is the third most successful team in CONCACAF after Mexico and the United States...
in Mexico City and Honduras
Honduras national football team
The Honduran national football team, nicknamed Los Catrachos, La Bicolor or La H, is the national team of Honduras and is controlled by the Federación Nacional Autónoma de Fútbol de Honduras...
in San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sula
San Pedro Sula is a city in Honduras. It is located in the northwest corner of the country, in the Valle de Sula , about 60 km south of Puerto Cortés on the Caribbean. With an estimated population of 638,259 people in the main municipality, and 802,598 in its metro area , it is the second...
on March 28 and April 1, 2009 but was unable to travel to either match because he had "lost" his Mexican passport.
With the United States
Under a recent change in FIFA regulations, Castillo became eligible to play for the United StatesUnited States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
because he had yet to make an appearance for Mexico in a competitive match at senior level, as opposed to an international friendly or an A-grade international. The new rule allowed players of any age to make a one-time change of footballing nationality if they held citizenship in their new country and have not played in a competitive match at senior level for their previous country. The previous rule only allowed a change if the player was under 21.
On June 29, 2009, he was asked about possibly playing for the United States, saying, "I would play for the United States. I'd want to talk to them first, but I want to play for the U.S. I think it would be a very good opportunity for me, for my career. If they call me I would play for them." Castillo also said, "I have made my decision. I want to represent the country where I was born, the place where I live."
On September 2009, Castillo was cleared by FIFA to join the United States national team. On October 31, 2009 Castillo reveals to Mexican media after a Tigres UANL match vs Estudiantes Tecos that he had received a call earlier that day and stated "I was called up for training with the USA team
United States men's national soccer team
The United States men's national soccer team represents the United States in international association football competitions. It is controlled by the United States Soccer Federation and competes in CONCACAF...
and I am expected to appear to play against Denmark
Denmark national football team
The Denmark national football team represents Denmark in association football and is controlled by the Danish Football Association , the governing body for the football clubs which are organized under DBU...
....I'm hoping to give a good impression".
Castillo made his USA debut as a second-half sub in a friendly against Denmark in which they lost on November 18, 2009. He is now the second player to earn caps for both Mexico and the United States, joining Martin Vasquez
Martin Vasquez
Martin Vasquez is a Mexican-born American former professional soccer player. He was most recently the head coach of C.D. Chivas USA in Major League Soccer....
, who played non-FIFA-recognized matches with Mexico in 1992 and 1993 before receiving official call-ups to the US starting in 1996.
Castillo's decision to join the USMNT triggered a strongly negative response from Mexican fans. "When I changed to the U.S. national team, it was a hard time for me because people called me a traitor and stuff like that," Castillo remarked. He further elaborated on his decision, ultimately stating, "It's a big priority," Castillo said of playing for the United States. "I was born in the U.S. Even though I've played a lot in Mexico, because Mexico has been treating me good, I changed to the U.S. national team and I think I made a good choice."
Castillo has since been recalled to the USMNT under new head coach Jurgen Klinsmann, and started against Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
on August 10, 2011.