David Ramirez (pictured) was one of three Saprissa players to be called up for Costa Rica's friendly at Venezuela on February 2, 2016. (Photo: Mexsport)
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica – Costa Rica head coach Oscar Ramirez named Friday a squad of 21 players for a February 2 friendly at Venezuela.
Since the game falls on a non-FIFA date, the former Alajuelense manager’s roster is a combination of locally-based competitors and those with off-season Major League Soccer sides.
"We want to monitor these players, whom already are established, but we want to observe them in competition because they may have something that manages to get them into our plans,” said Ramirez. “For many this will be a test.”
The side is highlighted by the inclusion of three players – defender Francisco Calvo, midfielder Daniel Colindres and forward David Ramirez – from current Costa Rican champion Saprissa.
Veteran Alajuelense defender Jhonny Acosta, 32, who started in both of the Ticos’ wins in November to open the fourth round of CONCACAF qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, also merited selection.
Costa Rica is currently riding a four-game winning streak.
ROSTER
GOALKEEPERS: Marco Madrigal (Santos de Guapiles), Patrick Pemberton (Alajuelense)
DEFENDERS: Jhonny Acosta (Alajuelense), Francisco Calvo (Saprissa), Waylon Francis (Columbus Crew/USA), Jose Mena (UCR), Allan Miranda (Herediano), Heyrel Saravia (Belen Siglo XXI), Jordan Smith (Vancouver Whitecaps/Canada), Kendall Waston (Vancouver Whitecaps/Canada)
MIDFIELDERS: Junior Alvarado (Belen Siglo XXI), Randall Azofeifa (Herediano), Daniel Colindres (Saprissa), Mauricio Montero (UCR), Jose Sanchez (Herediano), Luis Miguel Valle (Alajuelense), Johan Venegas (Impact de Montreal/Canada), Rodney Wallace (no club)
FORWARDS: Kenny Cunningham (Uruguay), Josue Martinez (UCR), David Ramirez (Saprissa)
