As the regular season winds down, MLS play will go on hiatus one last time during the regular season before the playoffs kick off at the end of the month. And while Toronto FC are off this weekend, the Reds will be well-represented throughout World Cup qualifying and friendlies around the world.
Canada – Raheem Edwards, Jonathan Osorio, Tosaint Ricketts
Canada vs. El Salvador: Sunday, October 8, 5pm
A familiar trio will once again suit up for the Canucks when they take on El Salvador in a friendly matchup in Houston, Texas. Edwards, Osorio and Ricketts all saw action in Canada’s most recent friendly, a 2-0 win over Jamaica at BMO Field. Osorio in particular had an impressive outing, scoring a goal that has helped him round into form at the club level. Sunday night’s match should prove to be another good opportunity for head coach Octavio Zambrano to assess the talent pool against CONCACAF competition.
United States of America – Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore
USA vs. Panama: Friday, October 6, 7:30pm
Trinidad & Tobago vs. USA: Tuesday, October 10, 8pm
It’s do-or-die time for the Stars and Stripes. The USMNT face a pair of massive World Cup qualifiers with their road to Russia hanging in the balance. Currently in fourth place in the Hex, the United States will be looking to vault themselves into third place, meaning automatic qualification for the World Cup.
The U.S. will take on Panama on Friday night in Orlando, Florida before traveling to Trinidad and Toabago on Tuesday night. A win and a draw would be good enough to guaranteed passage to Russia.
Panama – Armando Cooper
USA vs. Panama: Friday, October 6, 7:30pm
Panama vs. Costa Rica: Tuesday, October 10, 8pm
One of Panama’s most capped players has been called in for a pair of crucial World Cup qualifiers. Like the U.S., Los Canaleros are not quiet out of the woods. In third place with 10 points, Friday night’s matchup with the USMNT is just as important for Panama, as a loss would force them to get a result against a dangerous Costa Rica side on Tuesday.
Liechtenstein – Nicolas Hasler
Liechtenstein vs. Israel: Friday, October 6, 2:45pm
Macedonia vs. Liechtenstein: Monday, October 9, 2:45pm
While Liechtenstein have been eliminated from World Cup contention, there still remain two matches in UEFA qualifying for the Blues-Reds. Currently at the bottom of Group G with Italy and Spain leading the way, Liechtenstein will be looking to earn their first point in qualification. Returning to his national team, TFC’s most recent edition will be looking to build on his recent award as the 2016/17 Liechtenstein Player of the Year.
