Ronald Matarrita and Rodney Wallace are heading to Russia. (Photo courtesy of NYCFC)
Some good news for Ronald Matarrita and Rodney Wallace isn’t necessarily good news for New York City FC.
The Ticos duo Monday was named to the Costa Rican national team for the World Cup. That means they will miss several NYCFC games later this month and in June.
Both players will make their World Cup debuts while missing MLS and Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matches.
Wallace, a 29-year-old forward, made his international debut with the Ticos Sept. 2, 2011 as he scored the lone goal of a 1-0 international friendly win over the United States in Carson, Calif. Wallace played in five qualifiers.
Matarrita, a 23-year-old defender who has endured several injuries the past few MLS seasons, played his first international in a 3-1 victory over Panama in a World Cup qualifying match.
They are expected to leave for Costa Rican training camp very soon.
NYCFC hosts the Colorado Rapids at Yankee Stadium Saturday at 1 p.m.