TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
Rodney Wallace became the first free agent of the season to sign on Friday, as Sporting Kansas City announced they have signed the Costa Rican international to a one-year contract.
“Rodney has strong qualities as a soccer player and the type of mentality that we always search for,” Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes said in a statement. “He is incredibly competitive and can impact the game with and without the ball. I see him fitting into our team really quickly, and I’m extremely excited to add someone of his caliber to our roster.”
Wallace has recorded 26 goals and 33 assists in 214 MLS appearances (including playoffs) since beginning his professional career in 2009. The versatile veteran, who was a 2013 MLS All-Star and a 2015 MLS Cup champion with with the Portland Timbers, arrives in Kansas City after a two-year stint with New York City FC.
In addition to spending nine seasons in MLS, Wallace played for Portuguese club FC Arouca and Brazilian side Sport Recife in 2016. He has also tallied four goals in 32 matches for the Costa Rica men’s national team, notably featuring at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia this summer after competing at the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2013 and 2017.
“Sporting KC is a passionate club that knows how to win,” Wallace said. “There are a lot of key aspects here to winning, from the players and staff to the facilities and fans. The soccer atmosphere in Kansas City gives the team that extra edge, and I am excited to come here and be a part of something special.”
