International callups boil down to one Orlando City SC player's story

This June international break comes right after a very tough time for Orlando City SC.

The Orlando City SC squad has seen almost consistent improvement in passing and coaches have demonstrated fairly effective use of formations for personnel. They’ve drawn more often, won a bit, and lost some matches.

But the squad also has some players deemed attractive candidates for international consideration. Eight Orlando players got call-ups. Only 100 MLS players total were picked for the upcoming two weeks of friendlies.

Peru wants a look at midfielder Wilder Cartagena and goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Uruguay picked midfielder Cesar Araujo and striker Facundo Torres. Defender Abdi Salim is off to join the Somalia team while defender David Brekalo will meet teammates in Slovenia.

Favian Loyola is picked up for the U-20 Chile team and fellow forward Duncan McGuire will drill with the U-23 USA squad.

While most of the games are friendlies, there is one set of matches that will mean much more than just picking who will stick with the national team the longest.

Salim’s games with Somalia will determine World Cup qualification. The first was scheduled for June 7 against Mozambique — the second is June 10 vs. Botswana.

City supporters haven’t seen much from defender Salim this season. He occupies a position on the roster called Supplemental Slots 25-28. MLS saves these places in team rosters for Reserve Minimum Salary players, age 24 or younger, who don’t get Senior Minimum Salary.

He landed there in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft. His most recent action at that time had been at Syracuse University.

He did most of his work after that in MLS Next Pro. There he’s demonstrated good skill in passing. He’s taken a few shots and shown an interest in playing more physically.

The latter interest will prove important in positively contributing to this current squad of top team starters.

He’s made only two starts so far with the top squad.

He’s on the radar of many scouts here and in Europe. But he desparately needs to break through to a payoff with Orlando City SC.

Factoring in the wins necessary to qualify Somalia for the World Cup would do it for him, his national team, and the squad back home.

He’s needed.