Minnesota United confirmed on Friday that it has traded captain Francisco Calvo to the Chicago Fire in exchange for $400,000 in allocation money.
The Loons will receive $100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) and $50,000 in Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) in 2019, and $100,000 in GAM and $150,000 in TAM in 2020. Minnesota could receive an additional $125,000 in TAM if the defender meets certain performance metrics, and considerations for a percentage of a potential future fee should he be transferred outside of MLS.
"Acquiring Francisco's talents and character is a big plus for our Club," said Chicago Fire president and GM Nelson Rodriguez. "He is a versatile defender with international experience in the prime of his career. He is familiar with MLS and has demonstrated a competitive mentality that should fit well with our group."
Calvo had worn the captain's armband in Minnesota from early in 2017 and made 60 appearances for the club in two-plus seasons, but a late red card in the 4-3 loss to Toronto on April 19 capped a 2019 season that saw the Costa Rica international's performances decline, culminating in his exclusion from the team's 18-man squad in last weekend's 1-0 win over D.C. United.
"I just didn't want any negativity about the group," Minnesota manager Heath said of his decision to drop Calvo on Sunday. "He's obviously disappointed, and I thought it would be better if we left him out all together."
Calvo represented Costa Rica at last summer's World Cup, making one start and a substitute appearances as the Ticos were eliminated in the group stage. He has 42 caps in a nearly eight-year international career.
The 26-year-old has played primarily as a center-back for club and country -- on the left side of a three-man defense for Costa Rica, and in a back four in Minnesota -- but this year took up the left-back position for the Loons. He was named an All-Star in 2018.