Revs players return to international competition

It was another busy day of international action for the Revs as defender Henry Kessler and midfielders Tajon Buchanan and Arnór Traustason all represented their respective nations on the international stage.

Traustason and Iceland returned to World Cup Qualifier action looking to overcome their 3-0 loss to Germany in their previous match. Although not a part of the starting XI, Traustason would be present on Iceland’s bench for Sunday’s match against Armenia.

Trailing by two goals, Traustason would come on for Iceland in the 80th minute. Traustason would be fouled by an Armenia player, setting up a crucial free-kick opportunity for Iceland late in the game.

Unfortunately, Iceland would suffer a 2-0 loss, making them winless and goalless in World Cup Qualifiers. Traustason and Iceland return to action as they take on Liechtenstein on Wednesday.

Henry Kessler and the United States looked to overcome the previous failures of United States teams and clinch an Olympic berth for the first time since Beijing 2008. Kessler would earn his third consecutive start for the stars and stripes in Sunday’s semifinal matchup against Honduras.

Kessler had a good outing against Honduras as the young defender played the full 90 minutes. He would finish Sunday’s match with an impressive 95% passing accuracy after completing 35 of 37 passes.

Kessler also did a phenomenal job on defense as he was able to dispossess attackers and clear the ball from danger on multiple occasions. He would receive a yellow card in first-half stoppage time.

Unfortunately, the United States would not be able to pull out the win as they suffered a crushing 2-1 loss to Honduras. Although Kessler and the United States Olympic hopes have come to an end, it was great to see the young defender on the national stage and more importantly, gain match fitness and knowledge ahead of the 2021 MLS season.

Finally, Tajon Buchanan and Team Canada prepared for their huge semifinal matchup against Mexico. Tajon would earn his fourth consecutive start.

Buchanan has been a huge part of Team Canada’s Olympic Qualifier as he’s scored two goals and has played 263 minutes for Canada in the group stage.

Buchanan had a good game but was under constant pressure which prevented the young midfielder from making an impact. Buchanan would play all 90 minutes on Sunday and ended the match with a 100% passing accuracy after completing five of five passes.

He also ended the match with three shots and two steals. Like Kessler, Buchanan would also be booked with a yellow card as he committed a harsh foul in first-half stoppage time.

Unfortunately, Team Canada was not able to pull off the upset over El Tri as they suffered a 2-0 loss to Mexico. Although Buchanan and Team Canada’s Olympic hopes have come to an end, it was great to see the young defender on the national stage and more importantly, gain match fitness and knowledge ahead of the 2021 MLS season.

With CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers over, Buchanan and Kessler will now shift their attention to preseason activities in preparation for the 2021 MLS season.