Internationals | Eight NYCFC Players Called Up for International Duty

Simreen Kheraj

New York City FC is in the offseason and the Boys in Blue are taking advantage of their time off before they begin preparations for the 2020 season.

While some are vacationing and others are relaxing with family, Taty Castellanos, Alex Callens, Sean Johnson, Alexandru Mitriță, James Sands, Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, Maxime Chanot, and Ronald Matarrita are all jetting off to international duty.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Alex Callens

The Peruvian defender has received yet another call up to represent his nation in friendlies against Colombia and Chile.

Callens was with the team in October, although he didn’t take the pitch then, he’ll be looking to get back out there to help his team in any way that he can come November 11.

Sean Johnson

The goalkeeper has been a consistent option for Gregg Berhalter and the US Men’s National Team.

As they continue their quest in the CONCACAF Nations League, they will be competing against Canada and Cuba once again. The teams met previously in October, with the USMNT coming out victorious in a 7-0 win against Cuba and a 2-0 loss to Canada.

With Johnson making the roster, we’ll see if he gets the nod to take his place in net for his nation.

Alexandru Mitriță

The Romanian put on quite a performance in October’s international break. Mitriță scored two goals and had an assist to help his team remain unbeaten through October.

He will now be returning to the squad as they continue to compete in the European Championships Qualifying. They will take on Sweden and Spain on November 15 and 18. Let’s see if he can have yet another impressive call-up.

James Sands

The young homegrown has been called up to the U-23 Men’s National Team Camp in Spain to train and take on Brazil and Argentina or Chile on November 14 and 17.

Ever since the defender made his comeback from injury late in the season, he has yet to play in a competitive match. The camp will be a good opportunity for him to stretch his muscles and play for his nation.

Taty Castellanos

One month later and the young Argentine is headed off to report to his country’s U-23 team once again.

His last call up, the striker had a great time with his teammates which was very apparent through his social media. Now he’s eager to go back and represent Argentina this month.

Ismael Tajouri-Shradi

The attacking midfielder has answered the call and is headed off to represent his home country of Libya in the African Cup of Nations Qualification against Tunisia and Tanzania on November 15 and 19.

In their previous meetings with Tunisia, the Libyan side has fallen twice this year alone, but third time's the charm.

Ronald Matarrita

The Costa Rican is headed to represent his nation in the CONCACAF Nations League as they take on Curacao and Haiti on November 14 and 17. The defender has been a consistent option for Ronald Gonzalez. He played a full 90 minutes against Curacao in their previous meeting in October, which ended in a scoreless draw and he'll be looking to get back in the backline this time around.

Maxime Chanot

The defender has been called up to the Luxembourg National team as they take on Serbia and Portugal in European Championship Qualification matches. Chanot has been a consistent fixture in his nation's defensive line and he will make his return once again to assist his team in qualifying for the championship.

Good luck to our Boys in Blue as they switch out their NYCFC jerseys to represent their nations with pride.