Rónald Alberto Matarrita Ulate (born 9 July 1994) is a Costa Rican professional footballer who plays as a left-back for Liga FPD club Alajuelense and the Costa Rica national team.
Matarrita was signed to New York City FC from Alajuelense on 20 January 2016 for an undisclosed fee. Matarrita made his MLS debut against the Chicago Fire on 6 March 2016. He scored his first goal for New York City during a 2âÂÂ0 victory over Seattle Sounders FC on 25 June 2016. After a strong first season, he was named New York City's Defensive Player of the Year for 2016.
On 29 December 2020, Matarrita was traded to FC Cincinnati in exchange for $500,000 of General Allocation Money. He was released by Cincinnati following their 2022 season.
On 20 June 2023, Matarrita joined Super League Greece club Aris on a three-year contract.
Matarrita has represented Costa Rica at under-17, under-20, under-22, and senior levels. He made his senior debut on 5 September 2015 in a friendly against Brazil. He scored his first goal for Costa Rica 6 September 2016, in a 3âÂÂ1 win over Panama, in a World Cup qualification match. Matarrita was called up for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, but was ruled out of the tournament three days before Costa Rica's debut due to a harmstring injury.
Matarrita earned his U.S. green card in March 2017. This status also qualifies him as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes.
Alajuelense
Individual