Francisco Calvo

ACQUIRED: Signed with Minnesota United on 12.27.2016

At just 25 years old, Calvo has the potential to be a familiar name in Minnesota for years to come. Whether playing at left back or center back, the MNUFC captain does well to stretch the pitch and create imbalances in the attack. He thrives with teams that possess the ball, but is athletic enough to push up the pitch with ease and stay with his marks when under pressure.

During his first season with the Loons, Calvo started 27 of 27 matches. He scored two goals on the year, including the first in a comeback 2-2 draw with Vancouver Whitecaps FC and an 81st-minute header in a 3-2 defeat at San Jose Earthquakes. Calvo also earned a spot in the MLS Team of the Week in Week 13 for his role in Minnesota’s clean-sheet win over Orlando City SC.

A standout for his club and country in defense and on set pieces, Calvo made a name for himself at Saprissa by scoring goals from set plays. In 28 matches during the 2016 season, he tallied nine goals and one assist, with six strikes in league play. An integral member of the Saprissa defensive line, he was a consistent starter in 2016 and helped the club earn a place in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals. In 2015, he scored two goals in the first leg of the Torneo de Invierno final, leading Saprissa to its 32nd title. Calvo has also spent time with Herediano, Perez Zeledon, Danish champions Nordsjælland (January to summer 2013) and Santos de Guapiles at senior level.

His youth career also kicked off at Saprissa, where he featured from 2005 to 2010 before moving to the U.S. to study at San Jacinto College.

2019: Scored first goal of the year on March 2 at VAN...Given a red card on April 19 at TOR...Missed April 24 vs LA due to suspension

2018: Made first start of the season on March 3 at SJ...Provided first assist of the year on July 4 vs TOR...Suspended for July 7 at HOU due to yellow card accumulation...Provided second and third assists on July 14 vs RSL...Ejected with second yellow card on August 11 at LA...Missed August 18 at FCD due to red card suspension...Scored first and second goals of the year on October 28 at CLB

2017: Made club and MLS debut in season opener on March 3 at POR ... Missed March 25 match due to international duty with Costa Rica ... Missed June 3 and 14 due to international duty with Costa Rica ... Scored first MLS goal on June 24 vs VAN ... Missed July 4 vs CLB to July 22 vs NY due to international duty with Costa Rica ... Scored second goal of the season on October 22 at SJ

INTERNATIONAL: Calvo has 42 appearances with the Costa Rica national team, scoring four goals. He started all five of Costa Rica's 2017 Gold Cup matches, scoring once en route to a semifinal appearance, where Los Ticos lost 2-0 to the United States. Calvo also started and played a full 90 minutes for Costa Rica in their 2018 FIFA World Cup Group E opener against Serbia, a 1-0 defeat, and came off the bench in a 2-0 loss to Brazil.