While Sporting KC has a three-week break from Major League Soccer's regular season, it's been a busy time for international teams. There are currently six Sporting KC players with National Teams: Graham Zusi, Matt Besler, Kei Kamara, Mechack Jerome, Peterson Joseph and Mikey Lopez.
Graham Zusi & Matt Besler with USA
2-1 win at Jamaica
Graham Zusi assisted on Jozy Altidore's 30th-minute goal as the United States edged Jamaica for three points in FIFA World Cup qualifying. Matt Besler started his second consecutive match in qualifying and helped to limit the Jamaican attack to few chances. Jamaica tied the match late from a set piece but USA's Brad Evans scored the game-winning goal in the second minute of stoppage time.
Upcoming Match: vs Panama - June 11
The USA faces Panama in another important World Cup qualifier tonight at CenturyLink Field in Seattle. The United States are in second place in the Hexagonal standings, just behind first place Costa Rica on goal difference. The last time these two sides met was in January 2012, with Graham Zusi scoring the lone goal in a 1-0 USA victory.
Kei Kamara with Sierra Leone
2-2 Draw vs Tunisia
Kei Kamara scored a 39th-minute goal from a corner kick but Sierra Leone had to settle for a 2-2 draw. The draw doesn't end Sierra Leone's World Cup hopes but makes it very difficult as they are five points back of Tunisia with two matches remaining.
Upcoming Match - vs Cape Verde Islands - June 15
Kei Kamara and Sierra Leone will face Cape Verde Islands in their fifth qualifying match of this round. Sierra Leone is currently in second place in Group B with five points and a 1-1-2 record. Cape Verde Islands are in last place in the group with three points and a record of 1-3-0.
Peterson Joseph & Mechack Jerome with Haiti
Last Match: 2-1 loss to Spain
Spain scored two goals quickly in the first half but Haiti were able to keep it close and make it 2-1 with a second half goal. Peterson Joseph started the match and played 57 minutes as he was replaced by Sporting KC teammate Mechack Jerome.
Upcoming Match: Haiti vs Italy - June 11
Haiti will face Italy, another top side in Europe, on Tuesday in Brazil. This is Italy’s last friendly before starting the 2013 Confederations Cup, a warm-up tournament to next year's World Cup. Haiti is not alive in World Cup qualifying but will be playing in the CONCACAF Gold Cup later this summer.
Mikey Lopez with U.S. Under-20's
Upcoming Match: US U20's vs Portugal U20's - June 14
The U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team, which is currently training in Lagos, Portugal, in preparation for the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup, will have a tune-up game on Friday. The USA faces Portugal’s U-20 squad on June 14 at Municipal Stadium in Vila Real Santo Antonio. The game kicks off at 5 p.m. local time (11 a.m. CT). Portugal qualified for the U-20 World Cup as one of six teams to advance by virtue of the 2012 UEFA European U-19 Football Championship.
