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Adding another chapter to what’s been one of the most busy off-seasons in club history, FC Dallas has struck a deal with league newcomer FC Cincinnati, trading veteran defensive midfielder Victor Ulloa to the expansion side for in exchange for $150,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM).
FC Dallas could receive an additional $100,000 in GAM if Ulloa meets certain performance metrics while with FC Cincinnati.
FC Dallas will also receive a percentage of any transfer or loan fee if FC Cincinnati transfers Ulloa to a team outside of MLS.
Rumors of the trade first started swirling earlier Tuesday, which were then confirmed by the trade’s news a day later.
Ahead of today's 2:00pm EST expansion draft, I'm hearing significant moves are coming from FC Cincinnati in and out of the draft. We'll see how many teams are impacted.
— Bobby Warshaw (@bwarshaw14) December 11, 2018
The Athletic’s Paul Tenorio appeared to be the first to break rumors of the news Tuesday via Twitter.
Also hearing #FCD is sending midfielder Victor Ulloa to FC Cincinnati in a trade. Will be an active day for the expansion side. #MLS
— Paul Tenorio (@PaulTenorio) December 11, 2018
FC Dallas then confirmed the trade Wednesday afternoon.
FC Dallas trades Homegrown Victor Ulloa to @fccincinnati.
— FC Dallas (@FCDallas) December 12, 2018
MORE: https://t.co/QL7SXFOBv0 pic.twitter.com/MHeQ6RX2Rz
Ulloa’s Legacy
The key of the first wave of Homegrown player success for FC Dallas, Ulloa broke into the first team in 2014, where he became the first FCD Homegrown to eclipse 2,000 minutes in a season, playing 2,365, starting in 26 of his 28 league appearances.
Ulloa was a favorite of former head coach Oscar Pareja and symbolized the potential of the MLS’ Homegrown player program. In October, he became just the seventh Homegrown player in MLS history to play 10,000 minutes and, in doing so, encapsulated his wonderful story.
If we’ve seen the last of Victor in an FC Dallas jersey, his status as one of the most consistent, reliable and solid players this league is built on will be undisputed.