Eight LAFC players received call-ups by their respective national teams during this latest international break, including six who participated in their final tune-up matches ahead of the 2022 World Cup to be played in Qatar this winter.
The Black & Gold national players departed to their destinations on Monday, Sept. 19, and are scheduled to return to Los Angeles this week to prepare for Sunday's upcoming match against the Portland Timbers. Fortunately, all players should come back on a positive note and in a healthy state. However, those players won't have the rest their teammates did, with only a few days to prepare for Portland.
Let's recap how the eight players performed during the international break.
Maxime Crepeau, goalkeeper (Canada) - 0 minutes played
LAFC's starting goalkeeper, Maxime Crepeau, was an unused substitute in Canada's friendlies against World Cup hosts Qatar and two-time World Cup champions Uruguay. Since the end of 2012, 34-year-old Milan Borjan has been Canada's No. 1 and is the favorite to get the bulk of the work during the 2022 World Cup. Crepeau has only played in one match during the past 12 months for his national team and is the clear backup to Borjan, at least for now. At 28, Crepeau is a teenager in goalkeeper years and if keeps up his good form with the Black & Gold, his time will come sooner rather than later.
Diego Palacios, defender (Ecuador) - 0 minutes played
LAFC's starting left back, Diego Palacios, did not see any action during this international break and remained on the bench for Ecuador's games against Saudi Arabia and Japan. Pervis Estupinan, who plays for Premier League side Brighton, is the clear starter and favored player at the position from what we've seen from the national team head coach. Palacios appears on track to make the 26-man roster for his country and be in Qatar, but his contributions on the field will likely be limited.
Jose Cifuentes, midfielder (Ecuador) - 140 minutes played
Having a breakout season with the Black & Gold, midfielder Jose Cifuentes played 64 minutes after coming on as substitute against Saudi Arabia and played 76 minutes as the starting central attacking midfielder against Japan. Both games ended in scoreless draws, but being the first option off the bench in the game against Saudi Arabia after an early injury to a teammate is certainly a positive sign for Cifuentes. His performance was rewarded with a start in the following match against Japan as Cifuentes looks like he may just play a major role for his country in the 2022 World Cup.
Sebastian Mendez, midfielder (Ecuador) - 90 minutes played
Struggling to find consistent playing time with LAFC, Sebastian Mendez is still considered a key piece for his national team. After not getting on the field in the first match against Saudi Arabia, Mendez got the start as a defensive midfielder with Cifuentes also on the pitch and played the full 90 minutes against Japan. The 25-year-old has played the entire match in two of the final three games for Ecuador prior to the World Cup and is set to be a constant feature in Qatar, regardless of his lack of playing time with LAFC.
Kellyn Acosta, midfielder (USA) - 90 minutes played
LAFC's central midfielder Kellyn Acosta has shown he can play multiple positions at the club and international level, making his versatility and excellent ability on the ball major factors as to why he continues to be called up for the USMNT. Acosta did not feature in the 2-0 loss against Japan in the first match but played the full 90 minutes against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday in the midfield. In a match in which the team struggled as a whole, Acosta's inclusion in the final tune-up match before the World Cup debut is promising and practically secures him a spot in the final roster at this stage in preparations. There's plenty of competition in the midfield for Acosta to break into a starting role, but his experience and set-piece quality certainly make him a valuable part of this squad.
Gareth Bale, forward (Wales) - 116 minutes
Competing in the UEFA Nations League, Gareth Bale participated in both games for Wales against two European quality opponents in Belgium and Poland. Against the likes of Kevin De Bruyne in Belgium, Bale entered as a substitute in the 64th minute and played as the lone striker up top for Wales. On Sunday, Bale played the full 90 minutes against Poland, the first time he remained on the field for the entirety of the game in over a year with Wales. Bale's fitness has been questioned since he arrived at LAFC, but a 90-minute performance for his home country was a step in the right direction as the Welsh prepare for his first-ever World Cup in 2022.
Tomas Romero, goalkeeper (El Salvador) - 90 minutes
A starter last season for the Black & Gold, Tomas Romero is now the third-string goalkeeper for LAFC. However, his participation with USL affiliate Las Vegas Lights earned him a call-up with the El Salvador national team during the international break. Romero got the start and went the full 90 minutes but unfortunately allowed four goals in a 4-1 defeat to Peru. El Salvador did not qualify for the 2022 World Cup but is already starting to think ahead for the next World Cup cycle, in which Romero could win consideration. A bright future lies ahead for the 21-year old goalkeeper.
Christian Torres, midfielder (Mexico U20) - 208 minutes played
LAFC Academy product Christian Torres participated in the 2022 Revelations Cup with the U-20 Mexican national team in Mexico City against Paraguay, the United States and Peru. In the first match, Torres entered as a substitute in the 62nd minute of what would end a 1-1 draw between Mexico and Paraguay. In the second game against the U.S., Torres got the start and played the full 90 minutes in the 2-1 win. Torres scored the opening goal in the 18th minute with a left-footed strike to the far post inside the box. In the final match, Torres also played the full 90 minutes in the 2-1 win over Peru to win the tournament.