- Years with club: 2018–2019
- Position: Attacking Midfielder / Forward
- Nickname: El Científico del Gol (The Goal Scientist)
Carlos Darwin Quintero Villalba was a landmark signing for Minnesota United, arriving on March 31, 2018, as the club’s first Designated Player in franchise history. The Colombian attacker was an immediate difference-maker, bringing a level of speed, creativity, and dribbling ability previously unseen on the Loons’ MLS roster. He quickly became the primary engine of the offense, setting many early club scoring records and helping lead the team to its first-ever MLS Cup Playoff appearance and a U.S. Open Cup Final run in 2019. He was traded to the Houston Dynamo in November 2019.
Key stats with Minnesota United:
- MLS regular season appearances: 57
- MLS regular season goals: 21
- MLS regular season assists: 20
- Total goals (all competitions): 27
- Distinction: He scored the club’s first MLS hat-trick on July 4, 2018, against Toronto FC.
- Accolades: Named a 2018 MLS All-Star and won the 2019 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Golden Boot with six goals in the tournament.
Memorable moments:
- The first Designated Player: His arrival signaled the club’s commitment to investing in high-caliber attacking talent following two difficult seasons in MLS.
- Open Cup run: His six goals were crucial in leading Minnesota United to the 2019 U.S. Open Cup Final, the club’s first major final in the MLS era.
- MLS debut: He made his club debut and scored his first MLS goal on April 14, 2018, in a match at Portland.
Where are they now?:
- After being traded from Minnesota United, he played for the Houston Dynamo (2020–2022) and América de Cali (2023).
- He currently plays as an attacking midfielder for Categoría Primera A club Deportivo Pereira in Colombia, having joined the club in January 2024.
- He is under contract with Deportivo Pereira until December 2025.