Costa Rica Sports – Costa Rica have called in seven MLS-based players for two international friendlies in Europe next week, as manager Oscar Ramirez continues to evaluate his player pool with an eye towards his roster for this summer’s World Cup in Russia.
Minnesota United’s Francisco Calvo, Portland Timbers midfielder David Guzman, D.C. United newcomer Ulises Segura, the New York City FC duo of Ronald Matarrita and Rodney Wallace, LAFC striker Marcos Urena and the Vancouver Whitecaps’ Kendall Waston all received call-ups.
Los Ticos will visit Glasgow’s Hampden Park to play Scotland on March 23, then face Tunisia at the Allianz Riviera in Nice, France on March 27.
Speaking to media at a press conference, Ramirez emphasized that the competition for spots in his squad remains wide-open, and noted that he’s left some of his proven regulars out of this latest roster in an effort to cast a broad net.
“I want to see these players, I think they deserve to be seen for these games. They have interesting features that could help me a lot. I think of having options for any injury, any eventuality that may arise,” said the coach. “These games allow me to test if a new player can give me what I’m looking for.”
Costa Rica have been drawn into World Cup Group E, a rugged quartet that also includes Brazil, Serbia and Switzerland.
By Charles Boehm, From MLS Soccer
