Costa Rica international Rodney Wallace (green jersey) signed with NYC FC on February 15, 2017. (Photo: Rick Osentoski/isiphotos.com)
NEW YORK -- Costa Rica international defender/midfielder Rodney Wallace signed with New York City FC on Wednesday night.
The 28-year-old, a free agent, last played with Sport Recife in Brazil.
As part of the deal, NYC FC sent $125,000 to the Portland Timbers, which held the right of first refusal on Wallace in Major League Soccer.
"Rodney is a quality player," said NYC FC head coach Patrick Vieira. "He’s really good with the ball and he knows how to win the championship as he did it with Portland. I believe that he’s one of the top players in this league.”
Wallace was a vital member of the 2015 MLS Cup-champion Timbers, scoring the winning goal in the 2-1 triumph over the Columbus Crew in the final.
“I’ve watched a lot of the NYC FC games since the team came to the league and I was attracted to the style of play," Wallace remarked. “I want to win trophies with this club."
Since making his international debut in 2014, Wallace has earned 17 caps for Costa Rica. His last appearance was as a substitute in a 4-0 win over the United States in a World Cup qualifier on November 15, 2016.
