FC Dallas has completed a trade that will send United States midfielder Kellyn Acosta to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for forward Dominique Badji.
Acosta, 22, has spent his entire career with FCD, debuting with the first team as an 18-year-old in 2013. He's become an important part of the U.S. national team, appearing in World Cup qualifiers and the CONCACAF Gold Cup last year.
"Thank you fans for the last 10 years here. I started out as a young boy having aspirations to be a pro, having an opportunity [from] the coaching staff, the owners, to be here," Acosta said in a farewell statement posted by FC Dallas. "This is a tough day for me. It's been a memorable 10 years -- won some trophies, had some great memories, some highs, some lows. It's been a great journey.
The move comes after Acosta walked straight down the tunnel after being substituted in the first half of a defeat to the New York Red Bulls on June 23. He's only started one game since then, though he's appeared as a substitute in four other games.
Badji, in his fourth MLS season, has scored 24 career goals, including seven this season. He moves from Colorado -- 11th in the Western Conference and 13 points adrift of a playoff spot -- to conference-leading Dallas.
Also as part of the deal, the teams will swap their first-round draft picks for next season, likely giving Dallas a boost from near the bottom of the round to the top, based on their current table positions. Colorado will also get Dallas' second-round pick.
Dallas will also retain a full 50 percent of any transfer fee for Acosta should he leave MLS, until summer 2020.
"Kellyn Acosta is one of the bright young players in U.S. Soccer," said Rapids general manager Padraig Smith. "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."
