Austin FC defender Julio Cascante (Costa Rica) and defender Dani Pereira (Venezuela) both spent the March FIFA international window representing their respective national teams. Cascante played a crucial Concacaf Nations League playoff vs. Honduras and an international friendly vs. reigning FIFA World Cup champions Argentina, while Pereira competed in friendlies vs. Italy and Guatemala.
Cascante’s appearances were the fifth and sixth of his international career. Against Honduras, he made six recoveries and won four duels to help Los Ticos to a 3-1 win. That victory sees Costa Rica qualify for Copa America 2024, and means the team will face Paraguay at Q2 Stadium on July 2.
He then turned in another strong performance against Argentina. Cascante made a clearance off the line, won all three of his aerial duels, and nearly scored as Costa Rica fell 3-1.
Pereira played 28 minutes vs. Italy and the full 90 vs. Guatemala for his third and fourth international caps. Venezuela is also set for a Copa America 2024 match at Q2 Stadium this summer. La Vinotinto will face Jamaica in Austin on June 30.
