Baribo, Blake, Gazdag, Westfield among seven Union players called for international duty, set to miss St. Louis game

It’s another FIFA international window, and players from the various Major League Soccer teams have been called up to represent their national teams in competitions and friendlies across the continents. The Union’s impressive start hasn’t gone unnoticed by the national teams, who have called up seven Philadelphia players this window.

Union will be without 7 players this weekend

Tai Baribo, Jesus Bueno, Daniel Gazdag, Danley Jean Jacques, Neil Pierre, Andre Blake, and Frankie Westfield will all represent their national teams this window.

Tai Baribo

The league’s leading goal scorer, who has been flying in the 2025 season with six goals in four games, will be representing the Israeli National Team during the window. The Union striker has 18 international caps, in which he has scored three goals. He scored his first goal six months after his debut, against Albania in a 2-1 home victory.

During this window, Israel will play matches against Estonia (March 22, 3:45 p.m.) and Norway (March 25, 3:45 p.m.).

Andre Blake

Union goalkeeper Andre Blake, who has managed just one clean sheet and a number of important saves this season, will be representing the Jamaican National Team. The 34-year-old is a known face in the Jamaican team, being the team’s captain and having earned 81 caps and registered 29 clean sheets for the Reggae Boyz.

The 3-time MLS goalkeeper of the year will lead the Jamaicans against Saint Vincent

(March 21, 7:00 p.m.) and Grenadines (March 25, 8:00 p.m.) in the first round of the CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifiers.

Daniel Gazdag

Union midfielder Daniel Gazdag returns to the Hungarian National Team in their UEFA Nations League fixtures this month. With a goal and two assists for Philly this season, Gazdag will be looking to add to his four goals in 27 international caps.

The Hungarian midfielder, who was part of Hungary’s squad for UEFA Euro 2024, will play two matches against Turkiye (March 20, 1:00 p.m.) and (March 23, 1:00 p.m.) in their UEFA Nations League Playoff.

Union, MLS — Image Credit: Philadelphia Union

Jesus Bueno

In just his seventh call-up for the Venezuelan National Team, the 25-year-old will be hoping to make his debut for the national team. Venezuela will play matches against Ecuador (March 20, 5:00 p.m.) and Peru (March 25, 8:00 p.m.)

Having featured just once – for a minute – for the Union this season, Bueno will be looking to make his return against Inter Miami on March 29.

Danley Jean Jacques

Union midfielder Dnaley Jean Jacques, who has appeared in all four games this season, joins the Haitian National Team for one international friendly match. The 24-year-old has three goals and one assist in 14 appearances with his national team.

While the Union will miss him as they host Saint Louis, he will represent the Haitians this weekend against Azerbaijan (March 22, 1:45 p.m.).

Danley jean jacques union — Aug 28, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Columbus Crew midfielder Alexandru Matan (20) plays the ball defended by Philadelphia Union midfielder Danley Jean Jacques (21) in the first half at Subaru Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Neil Pierre

Homegrown Neil Pierre has been selected for the U.S Under-18 Men’s National Team games against Morocco on March 22 and Norway on March 25 during a training camp in Marbella, Spain.

The center-back, who has yet to make an appearance for the first team this season, was signed from Union II after playing every minute of Philadelphia’s run to the MLS NEXT Pro Final.

Frankie Westfield

Homegrown defender Frankie Westfield has been selected for the U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team games against Mexico on March 22 and Japan on March 25, during a training camp in L’Albir, Spain, from March 17-25.

The 19-year-old, who has played in all four MLS games this season and has an assist to his name, will hope to return to the starting 11 against Miami.

The Union has the second-most call-ups in the league, followed by the New York Red Bulls, who have six players out—both behind Atlanta United, which had eight of its players called up during the March international window. This might be a major challenge for a Philly team looking to bounce back from a 1-3 home loss to Nashville SC at Subaru Park.

They face a St. Louis side that will be losing just one U-18 player during the international window. However, the absence of some of these names creates an opening for new signings, like Bruno Damiani, and some injury returnees, to get some minutes this season. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to the experienced Bradley Carnell, who should be able to get results despite the notable absentees.