By JOSE M. ROMERO
GLENDALE, Ariz. — Edgar Castillo has kept up with the latest goings-on for the U.S. men's national team, and he's ready for another chance to represent his country of birth. He just needs the opportunity to arise.
The midfielder/defender from New Mexico — in Arizona last Sunday to play in the inaugural Monsoon Classic, a Mexican First Division preseason match between his side, Club America, and Morelia — is anxiously awaiting a call from U.S. Soccer to play again on the international stage. Asked what he sees from the Americans based on how they've fared of late, the 24-year-old Castillo got to the point.
"That I could play there," Castillo said. "You watch the game and you talk about them, but it's a whole different thing on the field."
Castillo played in friendlies for Mexico before taking advantage of the FIFA rule that allowed him, as an American citizen, to switch countries, having not played in an official competition for Mexico. But he hasn't played for the United States since November, 2009, in a friendly against Denmark that was his first and only U.S. cap.
There's a case for Castillo to perhaps soon find his place on the U.S. roster. The United States could use some help in the form of speed on a backline — specifically Castillo's preferred left side — that was picked apart by Mexico in the Gold Cup, and Castillo certainly has that.
He showed flashes of brilliance on the ball and in recovery on defense in his 62-plus minutes at University of Phoenix Stadium against Morelia, and apparently impressed Portland Timbers technical director Gavin Wilkinson in his 45-minute stint in Club America's 1-0 victory over Portland at Jeld-Wen Field last week.
Also, it looks like Castillo is finally going to get the long look from the Club America technical staff he's been seeking for some time. Club America has loaned Castillo out to three other teams in Mexico for parts of three seasons since 2009, most recently to Puebla.
"His job over the next six months is to win a starting spot (for Club America)," Castillo's agent Eddie Rock said.
Added Castillo: "I'm very happy to be back. I've been in the Mexican League with five clubs now and I get to come back and do my best and be a starter."
Castillo makes a salary in Mexico that could be compared to MLS Designated Player money stateside. But he remains connected to his family, members of which made the four-to-five-hour drive from Las Cruces, N.M., for his match Sunday.
His goals in soccer are set. One is to win a Mexican club title. The other?
"Why not go to the World Cup in Brazil?" Castillo said.
That’s hilarious.
I think that you took Paul’s statement too seriously – it was intended to be a sarcastic comment.
The kid wants to play for the US, works hard in his club, and merits a look at LB in the upcoming friendlies. It would be hard for him to unseat Lechaj, but as the Gold Cup’s final demonstrated, you cannot have too much depth on the backline.
I never said he didn’t have flaws. I simply said that people don’t recognize his worth don’t really have a clue. I don’t think he’s the savior by any means, but I do think he’s the best CM that we currently have.
And the last red card he got was in the semis of the Confederations Cup. 2 years ago.
I’m not Serbian, so I don’t care how they view him. This is about how I feel about players and what they say about the USMNT. To me, it seems like he decided on Mexico, saw it flame out, then backtracked.
And if you want to compare nations, Timmy Chandler said he considers himself American now. Germany, happens to have a huge hole at RB. They said, “Fine, then you’re not welcome anymore.”
He needs to win the left back spot from Lichaj. But, I’d love for Castillo to feature for Club America this season. If Castillo can prove himself in Mexico, we might actually have some depth at left back on the USMNT for once.
Well IF he ever gets called up to play for us in a game at Azteca I’m sure he will get piss thrown at him (if not worse) since that is what they do down there to all US players.
Lichaj is the starter. Loyd and Castillo fight for the backup spot when in form.
This is either a brilliant Bornstein-referencing troll or the dumbest comment of the week, hard to say.
“I will give you that he is not that good of a defender.”
Well, that will probably never come up, right??
So Subotic said the same thing, about considering himself American. Should Serbia shun him based on one comment?
Thanks for speaking on behalf of US soccer and all its fans!
Oh wait 99.99% don’t care that he once played for Mexico, any more than we care that Jones and Chandler once played for Germany. If he qualifies as American, he’s American. If he’s good enough to make the team (jury is out), he should make the team. Anything else would either be irrational or racist (not sure which in your case).
Yes, and remove Greg Garza.
(I have not been impressed by him)
This from the guy who also says “Shea…not international caliber, not worth the time”
not tru Hobo. Read my comments further above. There was a moment when Mexico called him in- about a couple of months before FIFA made that rule that allowed for switching- and Castillo conveniently “lost” his passport. He blamed his agent. Somehow Castillo, and probably many other players, knew Fifa would change that declaration rule. Sounds like dude declared at the youth level, but then changed his mind as an adult.
calling out Timber Dan’s for his racism then subsequently making some jewish joke at BornSTEIN’s expense?
Regardless of how you classify where in the midfield he was to play…the point is that he never really got past the middle part of the field. What I recall was him tracking back and trying to defend against the passing game coming up the middle hence the DMF reference.
sad but true. oh wait, bornstein, aguedelo, bocanegra, bedoya, feilhaber…none of them have hispanic heritage, do they?
BB does suck though, and JFT and Castillo definitely do deserve another chance.
+1
Actions speak louder than words.
at least one thing is for sure, this homie wants to play for US. The dude “lost his passport” when he was called by Mexico to play against some central american team. He actually lost it twice in close proximity, but on two different occasions (i follow spanish sports media). However, this occurred just before that switch rule was allowed- where having played in friendlies or at the youth level could still be undone and declare for another national team. I always thought upon reflection that agents around the world probably knew a month or two in advance that that was going down, and thats how castillo knew. Anyway, I’m surprised he’s not hated in Mexico for that. I know I would throw piss at him if I was a fan of the mexican team (but I’m not)
Or shake ur head at the blind people not realizing his many flaws the guy’s got about the same vision as a blind man and can’t make a decent through ball for his life…fancy’s himself an attacking midfielder with his forays upfront….and loses position. Also is a poor mans Gattuso, he’s got the red card thing goong on. Hot head. Smh
Bornstein plays in the Mexican League and so he has Mexican League experience as well. Your argument has a gian hole in it. I’m not saying you aren’t correct thinking Castillo would be better, just pointing out the facts that you don’t see.
He said she was better than bornstein, not LePeilbet. I thought she was the womens version of Bornstein at first but it appears that it was an aberation and she is actually a pretty solid left back.
Or have their words twisted by a writer. Simply because some journalist writes it doesn’t make it true.
Brek Shea is 21 years old. How can anyone write a player off at only 21 years of age?
Fair enough, but keep in mind, he was barely 20 when he said that. In fact, Luis Bueno’s SI article was posted on 10/10/2009, only 2 days after his 20th birthday. He might have even been interviewed before his birthday.
He wouldn’t be the only 20 year old to say something he later regretted, or to speak without fully thinking through the thought process.
I am from Las Cruces, NM. Played against Edgar from age 8 to 18. He is a natural born striker with lots of skill. He started playing defense when he joined Laguna. I am not sure how reliable he is at that position but he is good at attack. Also, Las Cruces is a developing soccer scene. We have a few players that have played on the national team at the youth level.
No need to bring in Shea…not international caliber, not worth the time…
I’m not gonna come out and say Castillo should be getting call-ups but the one “opportunity” he got from BB was an absolute joke. Called in a few days before the match…in EUROPE!…basically arrived the day before the match (so zero time with the team)…then came in as a second half sub as left mid so he didn’t even have a chance to show that he was a better option than Bornstein. Then we never see him again…and some how people can still defend BB?! Unbelievable…
Why do people continue on answering trolls who scream nepotism at M. Bradley? Just shake your head and move on from the conversation if these putzes can’t realize his worth.
Way to call someone a racist and then follow it up with Jewish dig.
Timber Dan is referring to the comments made by Castillo 3-4 years ago, when both the US and Mexico were vying for his services. He said he considers himself Mexican and wouldn’t ever think about playing for the USA.
I can’t find the exact quote, but I thought it pretty funny that he said that, saw Mexico not want him and then immediately change course. I’m all for people who want to play for the USA, but I’m not anyone’s second choice, which the USA clearly is for Castillo (or, at least, was).
Bradley needs to go and Castillo is way better than Bornstein, hands down, give him a chance for god sake´s –
The good thing is, he’s still young. Right now he sounds like a real wanker. But where was I at 24? He’s right on time to peak for a World Cup.
Awkward writing on my part. Of course, I meant that those players would beg to differ with your assessment of Bradley.
He’s starting right now at left midfield against Atlas. #15
This dude thinks he’s good when he’s not. Lichaj would make him look silly. Go play for el tri we don’t need players that only choose nt’s for personal gain.
You’re an idiot…and Carlos Bocanegra, Herculez Gomez and Jose Torres, who all went to the World Cup under Bradley, would probably beg to differ. So would Juan Agudelo and Alejandro Bedoya. Not to mention Nick Rimando, Pable Mastroeni, Luis Robles, Omar Gonzalez, Jonathan Bornstein and Benny Feilhaber — both of whom come from Hispanic/Jewish families. For that matter, Edgar Castillo probably thinks you’re a boob, too. STFU.
Ahhh pullin the race card have to love that
Idiot, the captain of the team is Carlos Bocanegra and Johnny B is also of Mexican heritage. Don’t forget Juan Agudelo and Ale Bedoya.
Maybe your grandma should try out for the WPS. Is she an American citizen? Maybe she could add some depht for the USWNT.
This TImber Dan may be wrong about which country Castillo plays for, but there’s nothing racist in his comment. His ignorance relates to soccer, not race. Chill out.
+1
Did I say Castillo would be vying for a starting spot?
You mistead Timber Dan’s post. He’s not bashing his ethnicity but his choice to play for El Tri instead of USA. Edgar only wanted to play for his home country after his chances with Mexico fell apart.
Unless proven otherwise Bob Bradley will not give anyone with any Hispanic Heritage a chance!!!! If he does one mistake and they are gone see under JFT. You must be big strong and defense first! No ball skills are required under this current coach.
Lichaj is the starting left back not JB.
If my memory serves me right, “very good” is an exaggeration. But I do remember him exceeding my (my very low) expectations. I also genuinely feel sorry for the guy: it’s not his fault that Bob keeps putting him in. And he’s a better left back than I am….
why does everyone only bring up bradley? At times, Benny Feilhaber (Derby) Jozy Altidore, Oguchi Onyewu and a host of others have been called in, and played, while not starting of getting PT for their club
You mean Eddie Castle.