Austin FC defender Julio Cascante has been called up to the Costa Rica Men’s National Team for its upcoming Concacaf Nations League Playoff vs. Honduras (March 23) and international friendly vs. defending World Cup champions Argentina (March 26). Cascante will join Costa Rica for the two (2) matches taking place in Frisco, Texas and Los Angeles.
The winner of the playoff match between Costa Rica and Honduras will qualify for the 2024 Copa América, and will face Paraguay in Group D play on July 2 at Q2 Stadium.
Cascante, 30, joined Austin FC ahead of the Club’s inaugural season in 2021 and signed a contract extension through the end of the 2025 season in April 2023. He has made 93 MLS appearances for Austin across the regular season and playoffs, contributing nine (9) goals and 12 assists. His seven (7) goal contributions in the 2022 season were tied for the most among all MLS center backs.
He has three (3) previous senior international appearances for Costa Rica, and scored his first career international goal on September 12, 2023 vs. United Arab Emirates.
