Ronald Matarrita begins his fifth season with New York City FC by returning to his hometown for the first leg of the Concacaf Champions League on Thursday night.
San Carlos of Costa Rica hosts NYCFC at Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in the El Llano neighborhood of Alejuela in the first leg of the Round of 16.
Matarrita grew up just a short walk from the stadium – the home of his first professional team, LD Alajuelense.
“I feel really happy that my friends and family are coming out to support me,” Matarrita told reporters on Wednesday.