The international break has finally come to an end and the Boys in Blue who received the call are back at home in the Big Apple.
Seven of City’s finest jetted off to every corner of the world to represent their countries. Let’s take a look at how they all did over the break.
Alexander Callens - Peru
The defender reported to the Peruvian Men’s National team for back-to-back friendlies against Ecuador and Brazil. Although the team fell to Ecuador 1-0, they got their redemption on Brazil after their loss in the Copa America final. They defeated the Brazilian side 1-0 before Callens returned home.
Callens was in the house when NYCFC took on Toronto FC as a spectator, but he’ll be back for Saturday’s matchup against San Jose.
Maxime Chanot - Luxembourg
Chanot elected to stay back for the matchup against New England Revolution, and his efforts in the defense helped City secure all three points. Immediately after the match, the defender packed his bags and caught a flight to help his country in their campaign to qualify for the UEFA European Championship.
He started for Luxembourg and played a full 90 minutes, unfortunately, the team lost 3-1 to Serbia.
Sean Johnson - USA
The goalkeeper was called up once again to be a part of Gregg Berhalter’s squad, but he didn’t have to travel too far.
Johnson headed to MetLife Stadium as the USMNT took on Mexico for the first time since their Gold Cup Final loss.
The big man returned to Yankee Stadium the next day and suited up for the Boys in Blue and put on an impressive performance against Toronto FC, saving a penalty to earn a 1-1 draw.
Ronald Matarrita - Costa Rica
The Costa Rican reported to National Team duty on September 6th as the team took on Uruguay while serving his two-game MLS suspension.
Matarrita played the full 90’ minutes in the friendly but a stoppage-time goal put the Uruguayan side on top 2-1.
The defender returned to New York in time for the matchup against Toronto FC and played a key role in the draw to keep City’s unbeaten streak.
Tony Rocha - Belize
The midfielder made his first international debut for Belize as they took on Grenada. Rocha received his first callup and had a successful outing with his country. Although Belize scored first, a penalty and a goal in stoppage time cost them the game.
Justin Haak - USA U-20
NYCFC’s third homegrown received his first U-20 callup. He jetted off to Slovenia to represent Tab Ramos’s side in a pair of friendlies.
The U-20’s were originally scheduled to play Croatia on September 5th, but instead, they took on Zagreb Football Federation and brought home a 2-1 win.
Four days later the USYNT was back in action, defeating the UAE U-23’s in a 3-0 shutout win which Haak started.
Abdi Mohamed - Somalia
Abdi Mohamed took the pitch for Somalia in both games against Zimbabwe. They won their first-ever qualifying match 1-0 but lost 3-1 in the second leg of the FIFA World Cup African qualifiers.
