The September international window got underway in earnest Thursday night with several matches involving MLS-based players; here's a quick rundown of the action.
Peru vs. Ecuador
Several MLSers were involved in Ecuador’s 1-0 friendly win over neighbors Peru, a match played at Red Bull Arena and won by an Erick Castillo strike just after halftime. The Seattle Sounders’ Raul Ruidiaz got the start up top for Los Incas, facing off against his club teammate Xavier Arreaga, who handled Ecuador’s left center back spot. New LAFC signing Diego Palacios started at left back for Ecuador, while Orlando City SC midfielder Sebastian Mendez went the full 90 for La Tricolor.
Vancouver Whitecaps attacking dynamo Yordy Reyna made an appearance off the bench for Peru, while Orlando City's Carlos Ascues and New York City FC defender Alex Callens were unused substitutes. Ecuador’s bench also included Minnesota United attacker Romario Ibarra, who’s currently out on loan to Liga MX side Pachuca.
Honduras vs. Puerto Rico
Several familiar names took part in Honduras' 4-0 friendly rout of Puerto Rico at Estadio Tiburcio Carias Andino in Tegucigalpa, a result highlighted by Jorge Benguche’s brace.
Houston Dynamo veteran Maynor Figueroa got the start at center back for Los Catrachos, while his club and country teammate Alberth Elis entered in place of Benguche in the 74th minute.Vancouver's Michaell Chirinos and FC Dallas midfielder Bryan Acosta were unused subs for Honduras.
Chile vs. Argentina
Colorado Rapids striker Diego Rubio made a cameo off the bench for Chile in their scoreless draw with Argentina at the Los Angeles Coliseum, while his fellow MLSers Jose Bizama and Felipe Gutierrez did not see action.
Reported Inter Miami target Exequiel Palacios was a sub for Lionel Messi-less Argentina. And though he did not take part in this match, LA Galaxy newcomer Cristian Pavon turned out to be a topic of conversation for Albiceleste manager Lionel Scaloni postgame.
“He’s a player that we’re following, very interesting, with strong characteristics that we don’t have. He can be an important player for us in the future,” said Scaloni of Pavon when asked about the talented attacker. “He knows very well what I think he can give, and now he is with a coach [Guillermo Barros Schelotto] who will surely strengthen him and he will grow.”
