CINCINNATI – FC Cincinnati have acquired Costa Rica international defender Ronald Matarrita (pronounced MAT-a-ree-ta) from New York City FC in exchange for $500,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM). FC Cincinnati could send an additional $100,000 in General Allocation Money if Matarrita reaches certain performance incentives. Following the acquisition, the Orange and Blue have signed Matarrita to a multi-year contract extension.
As a U.S. Permanent Resident, the Costa Rican will occupy a domestic roster spot on FC Cincinnati’s 2021 roster.
“We are happy to be able to add Ronald to our team for the 2021 MLS season,” FC Cincinnati General Manager Gerard Nijkamp said. “Not only is he a proven talent within Major League Soccer, his strengths and player profile are a great fit for our playing philosophy at a position of need. We look forward to welcoming Ronald to Cincinnati and integrating him within our club.”
Matarrita, 26, comes to FC Cincinnati following five seasons in Major League Soccer with New York City FC (2016-20). The pacey outside back has made 106 appearances, including 89 starts, scoring four goals and adding 13 assists in MLS regular-season matches. In addition, he has made eight career MLS Cup Playoffs appearances, including seven starts.
The left back’s professional career began in 2013 when he signed for 30-time Liga FPD champions L. D. Alajuelense. Matarrita made 78 appearances, including 66 starts, scoring four goals and adding seven assists with Alajuelense from 2013 through 2015. He was part of the team that claimed the 2013 winter season championship – the 29th title in club history.
Matarrita joined New York City FC in January 2016 and has made at least 20 appearances and 15 starts in four of five seasons. Last season, Matarrita featured in all but two matches as NYCFC claimed the No. 5 seed in the 2020 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs.
At the international level, Matarrita has been a regular selection for the Ticos alongside teammate Allan Cruz. He has made 37 appearances, scoring three goals and adding two assists for Costa Rica since making his senior international debut in an international friendly against Brazil on Sept. 5, 2015. The defender scored his first goal for Costa Rica in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Panama on Sept. 6, 2016.
For up-to-the-minute information about FC Cincinnati, visit the team’s official website at fccincinnati.com, or follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook at @FCCincinnati. Additionally, fans are encouraged to download the team’s official mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play for instant access to mobile tickets, team content and match notifications.
Information about seating options at the club’s state-of-the-art West End Stadium – which will open in Spring 2021 – is now available at westendstadium.com. For more information about 2021 season memberships, visit westendstadium.com or the stadium’s social properties on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram at @WestEndStadium, or by calling the team’s sales and service staff at 513-977-5425.
FC Cincinnati’s current roster headed into 2021, listed alphabetically by position, is below:
Goalkeepers (3): Ben Lundt, Beckham Sunderland, Przemysław Tytoń
Defenders (6): Saad Abdul-Salaam, Zico Bailey, Nick Hagglund, Ronald Matarrita, Tom Pettersson, Maikel van der Werff
Midfielders (8): Frankie Amaya, Alvaro Barreal, Allan Cruz, Joseph-Claude-Gyau, Yuya Kubo, Haris Medunjanin, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Caleb Stanko
Forwards (3): Franko Kovačević, Jürgen Locadia, Brandon Vazquez
TRANSACTION: FC Cincinnati acquired defender Ronald Matarrita from New York City FC in exchange for $500,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) on Dec. 29, 2020.
RONALD MATARRITA
Pronunciation: MAT-a-ree-ta
Position: Defender
Height: 5-9
Weight: 154
Birthdate: July 9. 1994
Birthplace: Alajuela, Costa Rica
Hometown: Alajuela, Costa Rica
Last Club: New York City FC (MLS)
Nationality: Costa Rica
MLS Roster Status: U.S. Permanent Resident
How Acquired: Via trade from New York City FC in exchange for $500,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) on Dec. 29, 2020.
