Not one. Not two. Not three. Six Chicago Fire players have been called into action for the upcoming FIFA international window.
Starters David Accam, Joevin Jones and Matt Polster are all due to miss Saturday's match in Montreal, as are Daneil Cyrus and Collin Fernandez. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson will depart the Fire following that match to join the U.S. Men's National Team for the Sept. 8 friendly with Brazil.
The coming weeks give these players the opportunity to further prove themselves on the international level. Accam, who debuted for Ghana earlier this year and scored his first goal on June 14 against Mauritius, joined the team prior a friendly against Congo on Sept. 1. He’ll also be available for an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda on Sept. 4.
With a team-leading seven goals and two assists to his name, it’s clear to see why an in-form Accam was selected by Avram Grant. Fire head coach Frank Yallop hasn’t had much communication with Ghana’s staff, but he hopes Accam will return ready to go for Chicago’s Sept. 11 match against New York Red Bulls.
“David’s a very, very good player,” Fire head coach Frank Yallop said Monday via teleconference. “When we have him on the field, we tend to not only play well, but we’re dangerous and we’re good.”
Jones and Cyrus -- who has yet to officially join his new club -- have been regular starters at the back for Trinidad and Tobago and were called in once again. They’ll be on the roster for the Soca Warriors’ friendly against Mexico on Sept. 4, which will be held at Real Salt Lake’s Rio Tinto Stadium.
Yallop spoke to Trinidad head coach Stephen Hart about how much time the duo, particulary Jones, will be given. He understands that the team’s lack of depth is a factor.
“He’ll look at the minutes, but they don’t have many defenders,” Yallop said. “Trinidad are a little bit light on defenders, but they should be still OK for our next game.”
Naturally, the absence of Polster is a bittersweet one for Yallop. The 22-year-old has been a potential call-up for the U.S. U-23 team two times prior, but both times ultimately decided in conjunction with the technical staff to remain with the club. Polster’s selection for training camp from Aug. 30 to Sept. 8. could be a springboard toward participation in the 2015 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament in October.
"In talking to the coaching staff over there, at some point I’ve got to abide by the rules and I’ve got to let him go,” Yallop said. “This is a trip that’s very important to them as to preparation.”
Yallop is prepared to see Polster play 90 minutes against England on Sept. 3 at Deepdale Stadium, and he’s talked to the coaches about playing less in the second game. The plan is that Polster will be ready for New York on the 11th.
As for Fernandez, a regular call-up to the U.S. U-18 team, earned his first selection to the U-20 team and will take part in the Stevan Vilotic-Cele Tournament in Serbia.
