Panama's Adolfo Machado (left) was transferred by Saprissa to the Houston Dynamo on December 21, 2016. (Photo: Adid Jimenez/Straffon Images)

HOUSTON -- The Houston Dynamo announced Wednesday that it has acquired Panama international Adolfo Machado on a full transfer from recently-crowned Costa Rican champion Saprissa.

It is Houston’s second major signing of a Central American star in as many days, following a loan agreement with Mexico’s Monterrey for Honduras forward Alberth Elis.

“Adolfo is an excellent player that is very familiar with CONCACAF as the captain of Saprissa and as a leader of the Panamanian national team. He is a versatile player that can play multiple positions in the backline,” said Dynamo head coach Wilmer Cabrera. “He’s won four league titles with Saprissa and it says a lot when you see what he has accomplished with that team that demands excellence. He is a leader and he will be key for us in the locker room and on the field with his speed, strength and play in the air.”

Machado has earned 67 caps for Panama, competing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup (2011, 2015), the Copa Centroamericana (2011, 2014), the Copa America Centenario (2016) and three World Cup Qualifying cycles (2010, 2014, 2018).

The 31-year-old has played in 130 matches since joining Saprissa from Panama’s San Francisco in December 2013. He has helped lead the Monstruo Morado to four Costa Rican titles and has also played in five editions of the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League with three different clubs (Saprissa: 2014/15, 2015/16, 2016/17; Comuicaciones: 2011/12; Marathon: 2010/11).

Machado has also played for Alainza (Panama) and Marquense (Guatemala).