The US men’s national team and Canada lineups are out for Friday night’sConcacaf Nations League match at Exploria Stadium, and there's again a bevy of Major League Soccer clubs represented (7 pm ET | ESPN2, UniMás, TUDN). Together, they feature a combined dozen MLS players.
The USMNT starting XI is anchored by Atlanta United goalkeeper Brad Guzan, while the backline includes New York Red Bulls center back Aaron Long. Then in midfield, San Jose Earthquakes youngster Jackson Yueill and LA Galaxy leader Sebastian Lletget both received the nod.
The attacking group features players entirely from MLS sides, as Columbus Crew SC striker Gyasi Zardes leads the front line. He’ll be flanked by Paul Arriola of D.C. United and Jordan Morris, who's less than a week removed from winning the 2019 MLS Cup with the Seattle Sounders.
Another USMNT highlight is the return of John Anthony Brooks at center back, as the VfL Wolfsburg player has been oft-injured around international dates. There’s also the first official Concacaf game for right back Sergino Dest, who pledged to the USMNT instead of Holland, and will be cap-tied once the game begins. Look for the midfield to be led by Weston McKennie, an FC Dallas academy product, and for Tim Ream, a RBNY player from 2010-11, to appear at left back.
Meanwhile, Canada’s XI features five players from MLS sides. Toronto FC right back Richie Laryea and Vancouver Whitecaps center back Doneil Henry both got the nod at the back. Then in midfield, there’s Mark-Anthony Kaye of LAFC, Jonathan Osorio of TFC and Samuel Piette of the Montreal Impact.
Their star player, Bayern Munich left back/winger Alphonso Davies, was sold by Vancouver after the 2018 season.
The USMNT will be looking to avenge last month’s 2-0 defeat to Canada at BMO Field, while Canada will be looking to improve their standing in the Hexagonal standings. Be sure to check out this story for more on the implications for both countries.
