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As it is, USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter decided not to summon the three TFC players for those two matches.

“Part of it was the position they’re in, fighting for a playoff spot,” Berhalter told reporters when asked about the TFC situation. “We felt taking three players from one team would severely handicap them. Plus in this particular case, Michael, Omar and Jozy are some of the more veteran players that have been in games like this before. We thought it’d be a good opportunity to get other players involved.”

The Reds are fighting tooth and nail to secure an MLS playoff spot with seven regular-season matches remaining and can’t afford to lose three key players to international duty at this point, though a trio of Canadian players – midfielders Jonathan Osorio and Liam Fraser and defender Richie Laryea – have been called up for Concacaf Nations League matches between Canada and Cuba, Sept.7 at BMO Field and Sept.10 in George Town, Grand Cayman.

“The difference is, the U.S. (are playing) friendlies and Canada it’s qualifying matches, matches where results are important, the goal differential is important,” said TFC coach Greg Vanney, who has a good working relationship with both Berhalter and Canadian men’s coach John Herdman. “The two (national teams) are in very different places right now so that places a factor in the discussions for sure.”

Vanney said he talked with Berhalter as recently as Wednesday as to the status of the three U.S. national team players on TFC and whether they should remain with the Reds or join the U.S. squad. Bradley said he also talked with Berhalter and understands the deal – that it’s more important at this point to remain with his club team than to play for the U.S. side. Still, the long-serving U.S. team midfielder hates missing any games, be it club or with the national side.