Jose Guillermo Ortiz scores twice in Costa Rica debut

D.C. United’s newest player Jose Guillermo Ortiz was named to the Costa Rica roster earlier this month and was looking at the chance of playing for his country for the first time. After appearing on the bench Friday in a scoreless draw with El Salvador, Ortiz was given his first start for the Ticos by former Alajuelense coach Oscar Ramirez.

The 23-year old played at forward and made the decision worthwhile early on, scoring in the 25th minute from a corner kick:

In the second half, he shook off two Belize defenders and rang a shot off the post, which Minnesota United FC player Johan Venegas put home for an easy one:

In the 63rd minute, Ortiz was back again, putting home his second goal for his country in a manner similar to his first:

Ortiz figured in all 3 Costa Rica goals and went 90 minutes in the win.

Now, Belize IS ranked 163rd in the FIFA rankings (out of 209) so there should be some tampering of expectations, but the Ticos’ do have 3 more games in the tournament, and the next game is Tuesday with Nicaragua, so hopefully Ramirez has some things to consider, as perhaps does Ben Olsen when Ortiz reports to preseason camp at the end of the tournament next Sunday.