As the weather starts to get colder, the temperature is only heating up in the MLS playoff race. Such was proven on Friday during the latest edition of the Hudson River Rivalry. With their 1-0 win over crosstown rivals New York City FC, Red Bull New York claimed control of one of the two Eastern Conference wild card spots while pushing NYCFC to the very edge of the playoff picture.
That edition of the Hudson River Rivalry also served as a prelude of sorts for the USMNT's upcoming international window. With both clubs considered, three players that are heading to Atlanta to prepare for the upcoming international window were involved in Friday's Hudson River Derby. Those three players were Julian Hall, Adri Mehmeti, and Matt Freese.
While Hall and Mehmeti, the former of whom scored the winner for Red Bull New York, will be making their USMNT debuts this international break, Freese is not new to the excitement that comes with getting a call-up. He was previously part of the USMNT during their World Cup campaign, which saw them cruise through the group stage before exiting their home tournament in the last 16.
Freese and Mehmeti could not contribute on the scoresheet; the former did not record a save (though that was partially due to New York City FC's ability to dominate in terms of possession and attacking play), while the latter received a yellow card and was substituted after 85 minutes. But with three USMNT players on the pitch in New York, the latest edition of the Hudson River Derby nonetheless served as an opportunity to showcase the next USMNT lineup.
A potential playoff clash could essentially serve as an audition for upcoming USMNT camps
Heading into Saturday's slate of MLS matches, the Eastern Conference Wild Card would see Red Bull New York host New York City FC for entry to the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs. If that clash were to become a reality, it would take place after the November international break; this year's MLS Cup Playoffs schedule is set up so that it runs uninterrupted for the four weeks following the November break.
While the match would not have any significance for the November break, it could still have an impact on who gets the chance to join the USMNT for their winter camp. It is worth noting that last year, it was announced that the USMNT's annual winter camp would be in December. At the surface level, the move keeps the session from running the risk of interfering with MLS action, allowing players who play in MLS to take part in the camp without missing out on club activities.
Given that USMNT players in Europe are faced with club schedules that run through December and then a January window that includes the AFC Asian Cup, there is often a high chance that clubs do not opt to release their players for national team participation. This is especially true when considering that clubs do not have to release players for any national team fixture/activity outside of FIFA's designated international windows.
With three USMNT players registered across both Hudson River sides, a potential Wild Card clash gains significant value in the event all three are in competition for an invitation to the December camp. While Freese would have the experience, a win against Hall and Mehmeti's Red Bull New York could help him gain level footing with Chicago Fire keeper Chris Brady and New England Revolution netminder Matt Turner, both of whom would safely qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs if the season ended today. At the same time, strong offensive performances from Hall and Mehmeti would go a long way in maintaining their stature within Mauricio Pochettino's revamped system for the long-term.
There is still a lot of MLS action to play, but it's not unfair to assume that the Hudson River Derby could be central to the makeup of future USMNT lineups.
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