:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63267824/usa_today_12083254.0.jpg)
The international break will be a busy one for five players of the Portland Timbers. Midfielders Cristhian Paredes and Andy Polo have been called up by Paraguay and Peru, respectively, for the international window. Additionally, forward Jeremy Ebobisse, midfielder Eryk Williamson, and defender Marco Farfan have all been called up by the United States U-23 team for an international camp and a pair of friendlies.
Also joining the trio of United States internationals is Timbers assistant coach Miles Joseph, who will join the USA U-23 coaching staff for the international window.
Paredes and Polo could potentially face each other in the first of two friendlies for their national teams when Paraguay and Peru face off on March 22nd in New Jersey. From there, Paredes and Paraguay have a match against Mexico on March 26th in Santa Clara, while Polo and Peru play El Salvador on March 26th in Washington, DC. Paredes, fresh off his first appearance and start for the Timbers this season, will be looking to add to his two appearances for Paraguay. Polo has become a regular call-up for Peru, most notably making their World Cup roster in 2018. He’s made 20 appearances and scored one goal over the course of his international career.
Ebobisse, Williamson, and Farfan will join up with the USA U-23s for their two-week camp in Spain. The young Yanks will play friendlies against Egypt on March 22nd, and against the Netherlands on March 24th.
After making his first competitive appearance for the senior national team in January, Ebobisse will be looking to improve his standing with the U-23s for their Olympic qualifying roster. Williamson has previously represented the USA at the U-20 level, while Farfan has represented the USA at the U-17 and U-18 levels. Notably, Farfan has dual Mexican-American citizenship, and there were rumors in 2018 that he was considering a switch to represent Mexico at the international level.
The USA U-23s will be looking to build a strong foundation for the CONCACAF Olympic qualifying tournament in October — the USA failed to qualify for both the 2012 and 2016 Olympic soccer competitions.
All players (and coach) will rejoin the Timbers before their game against the LA Galaxy on Sunday, March 31st.