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10 Best Signings of the 2016 Major League Soccer Season

By Matthew Nelson

Nov 6, 2016; Commerce City, CO, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy defender Jelle Van Damme (37) in overtime against the Colorado Rapids at Dick
Nov 6, 2016; Commerce City, CO, USA; Los Angeles Galaxy defender Jelle Van Damme (37) in overtime against the Colorado Rapids at Dick /
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#7 Ronald Matarrita

Nov 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC defender Ronald Matarrita (22) in action during the first half against the Toronto FC at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York City FC defender Ronald Matarrita (22) in action during the first half against the Toronto FC at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Ronald Matarrita signed with New York City FC in January before the 2016 season from Alajulense in Costa Rica. He mostly played left-back for NYCFC but is versatile enough to step in at centerback and move up into the midfield, which he did a few times this season. Matarrita quickly became one of the best fullbacks in the league, averaging 3.7 tacks and 2.6 interceptions in a total of 25 appearances. His addition helped strengthen an NYCFC defense that bled goals last season under Jason Kreis. During this season, Matarrita also picked up 1 goal and 5 assists and was rated #13 in mlssoccer.com’s 24 Under 24.

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