The New York Cosmos announced today that the club has agreed on a transfer fee with the San Jose Earthquakes for midfielder Eric Calvillo.

Calvillo was part of the roster that won the 2016 Soccer Bowl and played an instrumental role helping New York reach the 2017 Championship game.

"Eric has worked very hard and earned his spot in the starting eleven with the Cosmos. There’s no question that the current situation with the NASL and US Soccer has impacted our decision, but it’s in Eric’s best interest to move onto San Jose," said Cosmos Chief Operating Officer, Erik Stover. "We promised to look after his interests when he originally signed with us.  So, we’re all very happy for him and wish him the best of luck."

Calvillo, 20, signed his first pro contract with the Cosmos on January of 2016, making his debut later that year against Jacksonville Armada FC. He scored his first goal for the club on October 29 - a game-winner in a 1-0 win over Minnesota United FC.

However, 2017 was the breakout season for the young midfielder from Palmdale, California. Calvillo amassed over 1,100 minutes in 16 appearances and added three goals and one assist, becoming a mainstay in the team’s midfield and earning several league honors throughout the year, including one Team of the Month and one Player of the Month mentions.

Calvillo was also a runner-up for the 2017 NASL Young Player of the Year award, which is given to the top player aged 23 years and under for his play over the course of the Spring and Fall Seasons.

A United States youth international since the Under-14 age group, Calvillo was selected to the 21-player roster at the 2015 U17 World Cup in Chile. He appeared in all three matches for his country, starting two and compiling 202 minutes on the pitch.

“I would like to thank the Cosmos organization and Mr. Rocco B. Commisso for their continuous support and encouragement,” said Calvillo. “I will always be indebted with the New York Cosmos. Not only I signed my first professional contract there, but they were also crucial in my development as a professional athlete. I wish the team nothing but the best moving forward.”  

The New York Cosmos thank Calvillo for his contribution to the growth of the club and wish him success in his future endeavors.