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From MLS:
MLS Players Suit Up for Make-or-Break World Cup Qualifying Matches
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Pictured: Orlando City and Peru National Team goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Photo Credit: Erich Schlegel (IMAGN / USA TODAY Sports)
There’s a heightened sense of urgency for MLS players competing in FIFA World Cup intercontinental play-off matches, with everything at stake as they look to punch their tickets to the biggest global sporting event on the planet – the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar this November.Milos Degenek of the Columbus Crew joined Australia’s camp ahead of today’s AFC Fourth Round game against the United Arab Emirates (2 p.m. ET, Paramount+). The winner of the match will advance to play Peru, who are captained by Orlando City SC goalkeeper Pedro Gallese and supported in defense by New York City FC center back Alexander Callens . Gallese is tied for second-most clean sheets in MLS with six, while Callens has two goals in his last four NYCFC games and has provided a defensive prowess that has helped power NYCFC to eight consecutive shutouts across all competitions in May.MLS fans should also keep their ears open during the broadcast of Peru and the victor of Australia vs. UAE as Los Angeles FC Head Coach Steve Cherundolo makes his broadcasting debut as analyst for the match on June 13 (2 p.m. ET, FS1).Costa Rica and New Zealand will also battle for a final spot at the World Cup in November as they go head-to-head in the other intercontinental play-off match featuring MLS stars on June 14 (2 p.m. ET, FS2). San Jose’s Francisco Calvo is the lone MLS player representing Costa Rica this month, while Portland Timbers defender Bill Tuiloma and Minnesota United’s Michael Boxall don the black and white jerseys of New Zealand on the opposite side of the field. Tuiloma has been in impressive form for both club and country, scoring twice in his last game for the Kiwis and leading the Timbers with a career-high five goals, including a well-placed free kick against the LA Galaxy (Watch Here).The winner of UAE/Australia-Peru will be placed into Group D with Denmark, France, and Tunisia while the winner of Costa Rica vs. New Zealand will fall into Group E alongside Germany, Spain, and Japan at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
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