It seems cruel to interrupt the MLS Regular Season right now but the international game also has plenty of interesting storylines to offer in this break.
In addition to James Sands and Tyler Shaver, who start their U-17 World Cup campaign on Friday, New York City FC have five more players in international duty with plenty at stake, both personally and collectively.
Here’s what to look out for in this October FIFA window…
Player:Ronald Matarrita and Rodney Wallace
Nation: Costa Rica
Matches: Honduras (h) 10/6 and Panama (a) 10/10
Watch: beIN Sports USA
Costa Rica are well in control of their destiny having already secured at least the inter-confederation qualifying berth.
To ensure automatic passage to the World Cup, Rodney and Ronald’s side need to defeat either Honduras or Panama in this next round of games following their creditable 1-1 tie with Mexico last time out.
This final round of Hex qualifiers sees Matarrita return to the fold for the first time since the fracture to his foot he suffered earlier this summer.
Player:Yangel Herrera
Nation: Venezuela
Matches: Uruguay (h) 10/5, Paraguay (a) 10/10
Watch: beIN Sports USA
Although Venezuela’s hopes of reaching Russia are over, the future looks bright for the national team after their strong showing at the U-20 World Cup earlier this year and the seniors’ hugely impressive 1-1 draw with Argentina in the last break.
Yangel is now looking like a regular in the XI for Rafael Dudamel’s side on the strength of some excellent displays in yellow.
They face Uruguay and Paraguay in another challenging double header.
Player:Jack Harrison
Nation: England U-21s
Matches: Scotland (h) 10/6, Andorra (a) 10/10
Watch: Fox Soccer Match Pass
Jack’s first international call-up is bound to grab the attention of NYCFC supporters when England U-21s line up against Scotland and Andorra in two Euro U21 qualifiers set for Friday and Tuesday.
Aidy Boothroyd’s men are currently top of their qualifying table after getting off to a solid start in their first round of fixtures.
Will our boy make his international debut? We’ll let you know here on NYCFC.com.
Player: Kwame Awuah
Nation: Canada
Matches: El Salvador 10/8
Kwame Awuah got the call for Canada’s friendly against El Salvador on Sunday October 10.
The NYCFC defender will make his international debut if he gets onto the field in that one.
