New York City FC's Rodney Wallace (pictured) was called up to Costa Rica for its March World Cup qualifiers. (© Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports)
NEW YORK -- Rodney Wallace could not have planned it any better.
With FIFA World Cup Qualifying just right around the corner, the New York City FC forward has gained form only three games into the Major League Soccer season, scoring two goals and assisting on one.
On Saturday, he netted in a 1-1 draw with the Montreal Impact.
“Game by game, I am starting to find my rhythm, starting to find my confidence,” said Wallace, after earning man of the match honors for his stellar overall performance.
Costa Rica (2-0-0, 6 points) tops the CONCACAF Hexagonal table, with away games Mexico (March 24) and Honduras (March 28) right around the corner.
Wallace wants to keep the good times rolling.
“There’s a lot of confidence within myself,” he expressed. “There’s a lot of confidence within the group as a whole. We know that there are two important games. We’re going to go out there and get the results away from home. That’s very important with us.”
The 28-year-old’s play has been an early-season surprise for NYC FC, performing alongside 2010 World Cup champion David Villa of Spain.
A versatile performer -- who can play defense, midfielder or left forward -- Wallace has left an impression on NYC FC head coach Patrick Vieira, another World Cup champion (1998 with France) in preseason and training.
“He loves the game," said Vieira. "He’s working hard in training, in the games. He’s got a really good attitude in the dressing room. All the players love him. I like his character. He’s did really well in the league. He won the title, so he knows how to do it."
Wallace scored in the Portland Timbers' 2-1 win over the Columbus Crew in the 2015 MLS Cup final.
"He’s got good experience as well, but I think what I really love about him is the way he’s competing when he’s on the field and he can score goals,” concluded Vieira.
Costa Rica is hoping for the same.
