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Navas, Waston, Matarrita headline Costa Rica roster ahead of matches against T&T, USMNT

Photo by Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Photo by Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

While all attention is currently on the big game against Mexico in Columbus to open the Hex round, the U.S. Men’s National Team can’t overlook their second match against Costa Rica.

When the USMNT visits their CONCACAF rivals on November 15, they’ll need to be careful to avoid falling victim to a deep, strong squad featuring big name players from abroad and a few familiar names from MLS.

As expected, leading from the back is Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas. Brian Oviedo of Everton and Cristian Gamboa of Celtic bring their own overseas talent to the defense. The backline is bolstered by a pair of MLS stars in the Vancouver Whitecaps Kendall Waston and New York City FC’s Ronald Matarrita. While Watson’s Whitecaps are eliminated and done for the year, Matarrita’s NYCFC still has life entering the second leg of their Conference semifinal match against Toronto FC.

The midfield also mixes a blend of international and MLS talent. Bryan Ruiz of Sporting CP leads the way, with help from his dangerous speedster teammate Joel Campbell. A second Whitecaps player can be found in the midfield as well, with Cristian Bolanos making an appearance for country. Also of note is former Portland Timbers midfielder Rodney Wallace.

The fourth MLS regular on the roster comes in the form of Johan Venegas of the Montreal Impact, who’s club is not only still alive, but leading their conference semifinal against the New York Red Bulls as they enter Sunday’s match.

No MLS player who’s club advances would miss any playoff matches, as the games are put on hold during the international break.

Here’s a closer look at Costa Rica’s roster:

Goalkeepers: Keylor Navas (Real Madrid), Patrick Pemberton (Alajuelense) Esteban Alvarado (Trabzonspor)

Defenders: Johnny Acosta (Herediano), Kendall Waston (Vancouver Whitecaps), Michael Umana (Alajuelense) Francisco Calvo (Saprissa), Cristian Gamboa (Celtic) Ronald Matarrita (New York City FC), Bryan Oviedo (Everton), Jose Salvatierra (Alajuelense) Pablo Salazar (Herediano).

Midfielders: Randall Azofeifa (Herediano), Celso Borges (Deportivo La Coruna), Yeltsin Tejeda (Lausanne), David Guzman (Saprissa), Bryan Ruiz (Sporting Lisbon), Cristian Bolanos (Vancouver Whitecaps), Johan Venegas (Montreal Impact), Rodney Wallace (Recife)

Forwards: Joel Campbell (Sporting Lisbon), Ariel Rodríguez (Bangkok Glass), Marco Uren (Brondby)

Comments

  1. Costa Rica does have a strong team….most notable are Navas, Campbell, & Ruiz. Getting past Navas is never an easy task while Campbell & Ruiz are the main danger men in the attack. This is always a difficult game, but hopefully we’ll see a positive result this cycle.

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  2. A strong team, but, on paper at least, not as strong as the US, IMO. However, the US has never beaten Costa Rica in CR. Waston BTW, is the guy who broke Zardes’ foot on a late tackle that didn’t even get a card even though it was deserving of a yellow.

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