In 2016, a 21-year-old Costa Rican left back by the name of Ronald Matarrita became one of New York City FC’s first-ever signings using Targeted Allocation Money (TAM), marking him as a marquee player for the future. By the end of that season, Mata was ranked 13th in MLS’s 24 under 24 list, and became the subject of transfer rumors from European clubs. In 2017, Mata remained a hot name in MLS, this time placing 16th in the MLS 24 under 24 list.
But, something else very interesting also happened in the 2017 season.