Seven first team players out on national team duty this weekend

After the Union’s 3-1 defeat to Nashville SC, the focus now shifts to their upcoming match against St. Louis City on Saturday, March 22nd. However, they’ll be facing this challenge without several key players due to the international break, which once again leaves many MLS sides shorthanded.

For the Union, this means they’ll be without Andre Blake, Tai Baribo, Daniel Gazdag, Danely Jean Jacques, and Jesus Bueno – each of whom will be representing their respective national teams. Here’s a closer look at where each player will be headed during the break and what their call-ups mean for both club and country.

Andre Blake (Jamaica) – In his eleventh year with the Philadelphia Union, Andre Blake has enjoyed a solid start to the season, recording one clean sheet in four games and limiting FC Cincinnati to just one goal. In the most recent match against Nashville SC, Blake also managed to hit 300 appearances for the Philadelphia Union. Once again, he will feature for Jamaica, who are set to face Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in two matches. The first will take place on March 21 at 7 p.m., followed by the second on March 25 at 8 p.m.

Tai Baribo (Israel) – Since the end of the 2024 campaign, Tai Baribo has been in outstanding form, scoring 22 goals in 30 games. After struggling for game time under former coach Jim Curtin, he has firmly established himself as a fan favorite. His impressive performances have earned him a spot on Israel’s roster for upcoming matches against Estonia on March 22 at 3:45 p.m. and Norway on March 25 at 3:45 p.m., where he will look to add to his three international goals.

Daniel Gazdag (Hungary) – The Union’s creative spark and attacking threat is already off to a strong start this season, highlighted by a goal against Orlando City and a stellar home opener with two assists. After competing in the most recent edition of the Euros, Daniel Gazdag will again represent his country as Hungary faces Turkiye in two playoff matches. The first will take place on March 20 at 1 p.m., followed by the second on March 23 at 1 p.m., where he will compete for minutes alongside Liverpool star Dominik Szoboszlai.

Danley Jean Jacques (Haiti) – It wasn’t long ago that Union fans were concerned about the departure of former midfielder José Martínez. However, those worries quickly faded with the emergence of the powerful Danely Jean Jacques. After making his first few appearances last season, he has seamlessly slotted into a two-man defensive midfield alongside Jovan Lukić. His consistency in the midfield has earned him a call-up to the Haitian squad, which will face Azerbaijan on March 22 at 1:45 p.m. He will be looking to add to his 14 appearances for the team, where he has already contributed three goals and one assist.

Jesus Bueno (Venezuela) – Although Jesus Bueno hasn’t seen a surplus of minutes, his grit in the midfield remains crucial for the Philadelphia Union. He has recently earned a reputation as a match closer, often relied upon when the Union look to lock down a result. The Venezuelan national team also recognizes his talents, calling him up for their upcoming fixtures against Ecuador on March 20 at 5:00 p.m. and Peru on March 25 at 8 p.m.

Frankie Westfield (US-U20s) – Westfield has started all four games for the Union this season but will be away with the Under-20 team in L’Albir, Spain, where they will face Mexico on March 22 and Japan on March 24.

Neil Pierre (US-U18s) – Pierre won’t be available as a bench option on Saturday either with Olwethu Makhanya serving a red card suspension, leaving Carnell with two center backs on the first team roster.

After the international break, the Union will look to regain their form in a matchup against Inter Miami CF. Facing the likes of Messi, Suárez, Busquets, and Alba will be a tough challenge, but with their high energy, they may be able to capitalize on the aging legs of the Barcelona veterans.