Defender Joseph Mora has been called up to the Costa Rican National Team for the first time in his career. Mora will join Costa Rica for their upcoming friendlies at Chile on Friday, Nov. 16, and at Peru on Tuesday, Nov. 20.
A dangerous left back who made a strong impression in his first Major League Soccer season, Mora made 30 appearances for D.C. United during the 2018 regular season, starting 28 matches and picking up two assists. The defender helped set up forward Darren Mattocks for the late equalizer at LAFC on May 26, then notched his second assist on September 12 against Minnesota United at Audi Field.
On March 7, 2018, the Black-and-Red acquired the 25-year-old from Deportivo Saprissa, where Mora proved himself as a fast, physical, and reliable outside back. Mora's technicality on the ball also makes him a threat up the left flank—throughout 2018 the defender showed a willingness to get involved in the attack and whip well-placed crosses into the box.
While Mora has appeared for the Costa Rican Youth National Team, this will be his first time joining the Ticos' senior team. Fellow MLS players Kendall Watson (Vancouver Whitecaps), Francisco Calvo (Minnesota United FC), and Ronald Matarrita (New York City FC) also received call-ups for Costa Rica.
