USA-Costa Rica: Calvo and Guzman are only 2018 World Cup holdovers in Ticos' squad

• by Paul Kennedy  @pkedit, Jan 19, 2019

Minnesota United defender Francisco Calvo and Portland Timbers midfielder David Guzman  are the only holdovers from Costa Rica's World Cup 2018 roster for its match against the USA on Feb. 2 in San Jose, California.

Four other MLS players are in the 23-player squad. Waylon Francis (Seattle) went to the 2014 World Cup but did not play for the Ticos. Also in the team are Allan Cruz, who was acquired by FC Cincinnati on Friday, Joseph Mora, who joined D.C. United in 2018, and Marvin Loria, who was recently promoted from the Portland Timbers' USL team to their first team.

Uruguayan Gustavo Matosas began work as the Ticos' new head coach on Jan. 7. Julio Cascante (Portland) and Ronald Matarrita (NYCFC) were also in the group that trained at the national training center in Alajuela but not called in for the match. All other players in Matosas' squad play for clubs in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Roster:
Goalkeepers -- Esteban Alvarado (Alajuelense), Kevin Chamorro (Carmelita), Marco Madrigal (San Carlos).
Defenders -- Keysher Fuller (Herediano), Yostin Salinas (Saprissa), Jaikel Medina (Saprissa), Pablo Arboine (Santos de Guapiles), Francisco Calvo (Minnesota United), Waylon Francis (Seattle Sounders), Joseph Mora (D.C. United).
Midfielders -- Jose Miguel Cubero (Alajuelense), Allan Cruz (FC Cincinnati), Nestor Monge (Cartagines), David Guzman (Portland Timbers), Jose Alfaro (Carmelita), Barlon Sequiera (Alajuelense), Ronaldo Araya (Cartagines), Marvin Loria (Portland Timbers).
Forwards -- Jimmy Marin (Herediano), Jose Guillermo Ortiz (Herediano), Jean Scott (Guadalupe), Yendrick Ruiz (Herediano), Jonathan McDonald (Alajuelense).