TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
UPDATE (Jan. 26) – The San Jose Earthquakes have signed veteran MLS defender and Costa Rican international Francisco Calvo for the 2022 MLS season, with an option for 2023, the club announced Wednesday.
The 29-year-old, who's had previous stints in the league with Minnesota United FC and Chicago Fire FC, helps fill a vacancy left by the offseason departure of Oswaldo Alanis.
“Adding a proven central defender was a priority for us this offseason,” Earthquakes general manager Chris Leitch said in a press release. “Francisco possesses a significant amount of experience in Major League Soccer and with the Costa Rica national team, and his signing makes us both deeper and more versatile heading into 2022.”
Calvo arrives with 122 league appearances (119 starts) and 10 goals under his belt – most notably as team captain of Minnesota United during their inaugural season in 2017. The following season, he earned a spot in the 2018 MLS All-Star team.
On the international front, he's played 67 games and scored seven goals while also representing Los Ticos at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
ORIGINAL (Jan 24) – The San Jose Earthquakes are reportedly on the verge of signing defender Francisco Calvo as a free agent, with journalist Favian Renkel noting on Sunday the sides have reached an agreement.
The 29-year-old Costa Rican international, who previously captained Minnesota United FC and Chicago Fire FC, has 122 games of MLS regular-season experience across five seasons.
Primarily a left-sided center back, Calvo spent the bulk of the last three seasons with Chicago. However, his option was declined after the 2021 campaign.
Calvo has 10 goals and nine assists during his MLS career, earning MLS All-Star honors in 2018. Internationally, he's been capped 67 times and scored seven goals for the Ticos.
Calvo would add needed depth to San Jose's backline after the departure following his loan from Liga MX's Chivas. They also return Nathan and Tanner Beason at center back.
Led by head coach Matias Almeyda, San Jose have missed the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs three of the last four seasons.
