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COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – When Edgar Castillo joined the Colorado Rapids on a season-long loan back in January, then newly-hired head coach Anthony Hudson presented the 31-year-old with a challenge.

“The first day I got here, he said, ‘You have to be the best left back in the league’,” Castillo told Pro Soccer USA. “He’s a strict coach, but other than that, it’s all on us. We play on the field and he’s the one that gives us what we need to execute out on the field.”

With three goals and five assists in 24 appearances for Colorado this season, a pretty strong argument can be made that Castillo has fulfilled the manager’s wish.

“I think he’s shown a lot of character in stepping up at key moments in games and really having an effect on the outcome of games,” Hudson said. “He’s an important player to us and he’s great to have in the locker room. We want him to keep improving and keep doing what he’s doing.”

Soft-spoken and humble off the pitch, Castillo shows a different personality in games. He’s been a menace in attack while also relentless in breaking up plays defensively. On the ball, he’s also been arguably the Rapids’ best dribbler; a trait rarely seen in defenders.

“He’s shown he can go on these dribbling mazes,” Rapids captain Tim Howard grinned. “They look good, but there’s a lot of end product there, whether it be crossing or the goals he’s had this year. That’s an added bonus.”

As team general manager Padraig Smith explained to fans in a Q&A session earlier this month, Howard played a vital role in recruiting Castillo to Colorado.

“With Edgar, this was in the building stages,” Howard said of the recruitment process. “It was about letting him know that we have a top manager, but we needed time to build a solid foundation and we needed Edgar to be one of those pieces.”

In the Rapids’ locker room, Castillo has been the yin to Howard’s yang.

“We’ve got two different personalities,” Howard explained. “I’m more loud and brash and he’s the more quiet, sneaky one. It just seems to work.”

Their friendship dates back to their shared time with the United States men’s national team. Howard and Castillo played numerous important games together, including the USMNT’s historic 1-0 win over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca back in 2012.

As one of only two players [along with Martin Vasquez] to represent both the United States and Mexico at the senior level, Castillo’s outlook on the rivalry is unique. The son of Mexican immigrants, Castillo began his international career with the Mexican under-23 squad, helping the team qualify for the 2008 Olympics. Less than a year later, opportunity presented itself when he received a call from then-U.S. manager Bob Bradley, prompting Castillo to make his one-time permanent switch to represent the country of his birth.

“It was a hard decision for me to change,” he recalled. “I think I made the right decision because I felt good with the U.S.”

More than two years have passed since his last international appearance in March 2016. But with U.S. Soccer amid an ongoing change in direction, Castillo is hopeful for a return to the international stage.

“It’s changed as they look more for young players from the U.S., not necessarily Mexican-American guys. I hope it all changes and they bring other players in,” Castillo said. “It’s been [two] years and I was hurt. I’m here now trying to do my best and keep playing. We’ll see if I get a call up soon.”

His path to becoming a professional was likewise unconventional. Known as the “Mayfield Magician,” Castillo led Las Cruces High School to its first ever New Mexico state championship in boys soccer. Several months later, he and his brother decided to travel to Mexico to participate in an open tryout for Liga MX side Santos Laguna. He impressed, landing his first professional contract.

Castillo bounced around Mexico for more than a decade, playing for eight different Liga MX teams and winning three league titles along the way. Having now adjusted to Major League Soccer, he acknowledged the increasing quality of teams north of the border.

“Liga MX is a very good league with very good players. MLS is getting there,” Castillo said. “MLS teams have fought through CONCACAF, so it’s getting better and better. Mexicans know that, too. MLS is growing.”

The 2018 Colorado Rapids season has been about rebuilding, and more recently, about building upon positive performances. Despite their 2-0 loss to LAFC two weeks ago, the Rapids have put together favorable results, including a 2-2 draw Aug.14 at StubHub Center, where Castillo scored a highlight-reel goal against the L.A. Galaxy.

He gives all credit to those around him.

“The season’s not done and I have to keep going,” said Castillo. “I never would have thought I’d have three goals and a couple assists. But it’s not all me on the field. If not for my teammates, I wouldn’t have the goals and the assists that I have now.”

With 24 points in the Western Conference table and eight games left, playoffs remain a tall order for Colorado, which currently sits 14 points back of the red line. Regardless, Castillo wants to see through the ongoing project in Commerce City.

“Every club you go to, you want to win something, and the first day I said that,” he said. “I’m happy to be here and I want to win something for this club.”

Colorado is currently in advanced talks with Liga MX side Monterrey to turn his current loan deal into a permanent buy.

Castillo told Pro Soccer USA last week week that all sides have yet to reach an agreement and for now his loan is still set to expire at the end of the season. But he’s still hopeful to remain in Colorado – a place he’s embraced as a new home for himself, his wife and their three children.

“Since Day 1 when I got here, I’ve felt at home,” Castillo said. “I’m very happy to be here and I want to stay here.”

The post Rapids defender Edgar Castillo looks for permanent home in Colorado appeared first on Pro Soccer USA.