Ronald Matarrita ends MLS spell to join Ukrainian leaders Dnipro-1
By Chris Smith
Left-back Ronald Matarrita has left Major League Soccer to sign for Ukrainian league leaders Dnipro-1.
The 28-year-old was a free agent after having his contract declined by FC Cincinnati at the end of the 2022 campaign.
90min understands there was interest in Matarrita from multiple clubs across Europe's top leagues, but that Dnipro-1 quickly became the frontrunners for his signature. Sources say the 54-time Costa Rica international has signed a two-year deal with the current Ukrainian league leaders, who are five points clear of both Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv.
The move brings an end to a seven-year stay in MLS for Matarrita, who represented both New York City FC and FC Cincinnati.
With NYCFC, Matarrita played 121 times across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing nine assists. The defender also played 32 times for FC Cincinnati, but was restricted to just 10 appearances last season due to an ankle injury - though Matarrita did recover to play in the Orange and Blue's MLS Cup Playoffs campaign and feature for Costa Rica at the 2022 World Cup.
If Dnipro-1 can seal the Ukrainian title, which has been dominated by Shakhtar Donetsk (13 titles) and Dynamo Kyiv (16 titles), Matarrita will play UEFA Champions League football next season.