Four Sounders FC players called into international duty

SEATTLE, WASH. – Sounders FC today announced that four players have been called into national team duty for the upcoming international break. Raúl Ruidíaz (Peru), Gustav Svensson (Sweden), Nicolás Lodeiro (Uruguay) and Jordy Delem (Martinique) are all set to represent their respective nations during the upcoming FIFA window.

Ruidíaz joins Peru for a pair of home friendlies, beginning with a match against Ecuador on Thursday, November 15 in Lima before facing Costa Rica on Tuesday, November 20 in Arequipa. This marks Ruidíaz's third international callup since the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, where he made two substitute appearances. In all, the striker has 34 career caps and four goals for the Peruvian National Team, most recently starting both of Peru’s U.S.-based friendlies in October.

Svensson also receives his third international callup since this summer's FIFA World Cup, where he made three appearances as Sweden advanced to the Quarterfinal Round. Svensson, who has 16 career caps, joins Blågult for UEFA Nations League matches at Turkey on Saturday, November 17 and vs. Russia on Tuesday, November 20.

Lodeiro joins Uruguay for a pair of European-based friendlies, beginning on Friday, November 16 against Brazil at Emirates Stadium in London before then traveling to Paris for a matchup with France on Tuesday, November 20. Lodeiro has 58 caps and four goals in his international career.

Delem joins Martinique for a CONCACAF Nations League qualifying match against Antigua and Barbuda on Monday, November 19. Delem has 37 career caps and five goals for Martinique. The CONCACAF Nations League serves as a form of qualification for the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Sounders FC saw its 2018 campaign come to a close on Thursday after being eliminated by Portland following the second leg of the Western Conference Semifinals. Despite edging the Timbers 2-1 in regulation, Seattle bowed out of the 2018 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs in front of 39,542 fans at CenturyLink Field. Thursday's result ended Sounders FC's 2018 campaign in its 10th consecutive postseason appearance, with the club accumulating a 21-15-5 record across all competitions.