There were victories for both NYCFC players involved in World Cup qualifying action on Friday.
The final Hexagonal section of CONCACAF qualifying kicked off across the continent and Ronald Matarrita made headlines with his role in the Port of Spain.
The NYCFC defender got on the scoresheet with a late goal which sealed Costa Rica’s 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago.
Cristian Bolanos opened the scoring in the 65th minute before he laid on the match-clinching second for Matarrita to give his country a perfect start on the road to Russia.
Costa Rica are next in action against USA on Tuesday night.
Elsewhere, Tony Taylor was an unused substitute for Panama as they recorded a surprise 1-0 away win against Honduras in San Pedro Sula.
Defender Fidel Escobar scored the only goal in the 22nd minute to clinch a priceless win for Hernan Dario Gomez’s side to give them a winning start to qualification.
Taylor will be hoping to make his international debut when Panama return to action on Tuesday at home to Mexico.
In Columbus, the USMNT went down 2-1 to Mexico, with Rafael Marquez heading in the late winning goal.
