NYCFC Sign Costa Rican Winger Rodney Wallace

February 15, 2017

New York City FC have orchestrated a deal to bring Costa Rican national team winger Rodney Wallace to New York City.

NYCFC have traded $75k in General Allocation Money and $50k in Targeted Allocation Money to Portland for the right of First Refusal for Rodney Wallace.

Wallace played for the Timbers from 2011 to 2015 before deciding to pursue his options outside of MLS. He made two appearances with FC Arouca in the Portuguese first division before joining Sport Club do Recife in Brazil in March of 2016. The Timbers cited their depth on the wing along with a desire to strengthen their team defensively as a key reason for the move.

NYCFC signed the 28 year old Costa Rican international on a free transfer from Brazilian side Sport Club do Recife as he makes his return to MLS.

Wallace spoke to NYCFC.com about the move.

“It’s a great honor to be an NYCFC player – it’s a dream come true to get this done and be here with such a great organization and a good team.

“I’ve watched a lot of the NYCFC games since the team came to the league and I was attracted to the style of play.

“I want to win trophies with this club, I want to come here and add to a bigger piece. We all want to achieve big things together and I’m just really happy to be here and to work towards that.

“I’m looking forward to playing in front of our fans, I’m going to give it 100% and work hard to compete for trophies and hopefully we can celebrate together at the end of the year.”

Vieira mentioned that Wallace can play anywhere on the left side which gives NYCFC plenty of options. Citing his experience in MLS and winning the MLS cup with Portland, Vieira told NYCFC.com

“He will bring his experience to this squad which is great for us – I’m really looking forward to him coming because I believe that he’s one of the top players in this league.”

Wallace played in 32 of Portland’s games during their MLS Cup winning season. Wallace will see some familiar faces when he arrives in training camp, Ethan White played with him while in DC’s academy and Ronald Matarrita plays with Wallace on the Costa Rican national team.

NYCFC continue to rebuild their roster ahead of their 2017 season, following todays addition of third Designated Player Maxi Moralez and yesterdays announcement that Yangel Herrera was joining on loan.