The Philadelphia Union have not played since their 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls on August 31st, and their next match is not until September 14th against Inter Miami. Seven Union players received the call-up to represent their nation in the interval however, with five of them being for the senior squad, and two being for youth teams within their federation. Let’s see what the players have done/can look forward to throughout the International Break.
Seven Union players selected to represent their nation
Throughout the last couple of months, the Union has gone from a team that was at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, to one that is fighting for a playoff spot. Some of players who have been crucial in this run of form a call-up to their nation during International Duty, and they are as follows:
- Tai Baribo (Israel)
- Jesus Bueno (Venezuela)
- Giovanny Sequera – (Venezuela) Sept 5 vs Bolivia, Sept 10 vs Uruguay
- Neil Pierre (United States U18) local Niigata Select team on Sept 12, Sept 14 vs japan, Sept 16 vs Peru
- Cavan Sullivan (United States U17) Sept 4 vs Germany, Sept 6 vs Czech Republic, Sept 8 vs Slovakia
- Danley Jean Jacques (Haiti) Sept 6 vs Puerto Rico, Sept 9 vs Sint Maarten
- Andre Blake (Jamaica) Sept 6 vs Cuba, Sept 10 vs Honduras
Israel loses both UEFA Nations League games
Tai Baribo’s Israel participated in their first two matches of the UEFA Nations League Group A, taking on both Belgium and Israel, losing both. Striker Tai Baribo scored 14 goals in his last 15 matches at the club level. The striker has been the main scoring option for the Union, but didn’t feature in either contest due to injury setbacks. This was said by reporter Raanan Baranovski of Israel’s Walla Sports.
Union fans will be hoping Tai’s injury isn’t serious, as they look to continue their push to the playoffs with only seven matches remaining in the season.
Two Union players look to feature for Venezuela
Both Jesus Bueno and Union II player Giovanny Sequera got the call up for the Venezuelan national team, as the CONMEBOL side took on Bolivia and Uruguay in World Cup qualifying. This call up was Sequera’s first call up to the senior team, and he was looking to possibly make his Venezuela national team debut.
Unfortunately, neither player received any minutes throughout the two matches with Jesus Bueno only receiving a bench spot in the second match against Uruguay. In these two matches, Venezuela would fall to Bolivia by a score of 4-0, and then draw against Uruguay 0-0.
New signing Danley Jean Jacques called up to Haiti
Danley Jean Jacques made his first start with the Union in their last match against the New York Red Bulls, showing Union supporters the talent that he has. The midfielder received a call-up to the Haitian national team, who was taking on Puerto Rico and Sint Maarten throughout the break. Danley was given the start in both of these matches, even scoring in the 4-1 victory over Puerto Rico. He played dominantly during the full 90 minutes in the match, proving the important impact that he has on his national team.
In the second match against Sint Maarten, DJJ was looking like he was going to put up another top performance, but the last thing that Union supporters wanted to see occurred. The midfielder got substituted off after taking studs to the right foot. Along with Baribo, Union supporters will be hoping their player will be healthy and ready to contribute to the end of the season playoff push.
Andre Blake makes return to Jamaican National Team
Since his return from injury, Andre Blake has been a key factor in the resurgence of the Union. In MLS play, the team has won three out of four matches with Blake in net, proving how important he is to their squad. The Jamaican National Team was hoping that the goalie had the same impact for their squad, as they took on Cuba and Honduras in the CONCACAF Nations League.
Andre Blake was the starter for both of these matches, as Jamaica wound up drawing 0-0 to Cuba and defeating Honduras by a score of 2-1. In the match against Cuba, the Union goalie did not have to do much, as he did not even have a single save on the night. Cuba’s red card towards the end of the first half allowed Jamaica to dominate possession, and give Andre an easy return to the pitch.
But, Andre Blake’s next match against Honduras was a different story. Blake would end up making five saves on six shots, conceding once in the win. He made a massive save towards the end of the match to help preserve the 2-1 win for Jamaica. The Union were glad to have Andre back, and Jamaica is as well after the performance against Honduras.
Cavan Sullivan and Neil Pierre to feature for United States Youth Teams
The final two players who received call ups this international window were Cavan Sullivan and Neil Pierre. Cavan received a call up to the United States U17 squad, while Neil Pierre received one to the United States U18’s.
At the time of this article being written, Neil Pierre has not played in any matches, as they would begin on September 12th at 2 AM EST. The other two matches will be taking place on September 14th and September 16th. The United States U17 squad played three matches as well during the break, taking on Germany, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Sullivan appeared in all three matches throughout the week, proving how impactful a player he is now, and will be in the future.
Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
