Rodney Wallace (above) and Ronald Matarrita have been called into Costa Rica for its WCQ matches. (Adam Hunger/USA TODAY Sports)
Fortunately for New York City FC, the MLS team has no games scheduled for the weekend of March 24-26 or the team would find itself in big trouble.
City has five players called in for World Cup qualifiers (in contrast, the Blues’ Hudson River Derby rival Red Bulls must host Real Salt Lake Saturday, March 25).
The two most recent call-ups came Friday when defender Ronald Matarrita and forward Rodney Wallace were summoned to represent the Ticos in the CONCCAF hexagonal.
The Costa Ricans (2-0-0, 6 points) will host Mexico March 24 and visit Honduras March 28.
Matarrita has made 17 appearances for Costa Rica, while Wallace last played for the Ticos in November.
Midfielder Miguel Camargo has been selected by Panama for its qualifiers at Trinidad & Tobago and at home vs. the United States on March 24 and 28. respectively.
The Panamanians are in third place behind a 1-1-0 record and four points.
Center back Maxime Chanot will represent Luxembourg in games against France and Cape Verde March 25 and 28, respectively.
Midfielder Alex Ring was named to Finland’s roster for a March 24 qualifier against Turkey. He has represented Finland 42 times.
