VANCOUVER, BC – Vancouver Whitecaps FC confirmed Thursday that captain Kendall Waston has been called up to the Costa Rican national team for their upcoming international friendlies against Scotland and Tunisia.

The 'Caps centre back leaves for international duty following their MLS regular season match at Atlanta United FC on March 17, and will report back to the club in time for their match at Columbus Crew SC on March 31. Waston will miss Vancouver's home match against LA Galaxy on March 24.

The Ticos visit Glasgow to face Scotland on March 23, then travel to Nice, France to face Tunisia on March 27.

Costa Rica and Tunisia are both preparing for the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup, where they were drawn into Group E and Group G, respectively.

Last year, Waston scored an added-time equalizer against Honduras to punch Costa Rica's trip to Russia. The 2017 Whitecaps FC Player of the Year has three goals in 24 appearances with the national team.

After back-to-back wins to start the season, Waston and the ''Caps are back in action this Saturday against Atlanta United FC (4:30 p.m. PT on TSN2).