FC Dallas has traded midfielder Kellyn Acosta to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for forward Dominique Badji, an international roster spot and the Rapids’ first-round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.
Acosta, 22, signed as a homegrown player in 2012 and has developed into one of the top prospects in all of American soccer.
The central midfielder made 116 regular-season appearances with FCD and has earned 17 caps with the U.S. men's national team.
After a rise that saw him feature in several key 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Acosta has seen his stock drop in the past year due to injuries and loss of form.
Instead of an expected move to Europe, the Texas native will now look to reboot his career with the Rapids. Meanwhile, FCD will retain 50 percent of the value of any international transfer Acosta makes before the end of the 2020 summer transfer window.
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“Kellyn Acosta is one of the bright young players in U.S. Soccer,” Rapids general manager Padraig Smith said in a club statement.
“His versatility in the midfield and ability to control games, get forward and break lines is something that will help this team both this season and in years to come. We can’t wait to welcome him to Colorado.”
In exchange FCD acquires Badji, who has developed into a dangerous forward since Colorado selected him in the fourth round of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft.
The 25-year-old has scored 24 goals and notched 12 assists in 91 regular season matches for Colorado.
“Dominique adds a scoring touch that will complement our roster as we look to stay competitive at the top of the table the second half of the season,” said FC Dallas head coach Oscar Pareja in a club release.
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