Inter Miami led the pack, with three players starring during the international break, but who else made an impression?
MLS’s growth and impact are becoming increasingly evident during international breaks.
A staggering 80 players were called up during the September break, participating in various competitions—including the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in South America and Asia, the 2024/25 UEFA Nations League Group Stage matches in Europe, and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. In total, MLS players will represent over 35 different countries across all six FIFA confederations. Minnesota United led the pack across the league with seven-total players called up.
Diego Gomez arguably shone the brightest during this period. The young Inter Miami starlet was the star of MLS’s players who were called up during the international break, with the Paraguayan featuring in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying for La Albirroja.
Meanwhile, in South America, Inter Miami superstar Luis Suarez stepped onto the pitch for the final time for Uruguay, with El Pistolero retiring from international duty over the weekend.
But with 80 total players taking the pitch, who else shined?
GOAL takes a look at MLS’ top performers from the September break.
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1Honorary mentions
Patrick Schulte, USMNT & Columbus Crew: Perhaps the lone good performer for the U.S. in the September window, Schulte was called upon multiple times in his start against Canada. An impressive performance.
Ali Ahmed, Canada & Vancouver Whitecaps: Absolutely lights out against the USMNT. Impressive in every aspect as Les Rouges won 2-1.
Maarten Paes, Indonesia & FC Dallas: Made his Indonesia debut with an impressive 1-1 draw against Saudi Arabia and then kept a clean sheet in a 0-0 draw against Australia in AFC World Cup Qualification.
Nicholas Hagen, Guatemala & Columbus Crew: Had an assist in a brilliant 4-1 win over Martinique and kept a clean sheet against a talented Costa Rica side in CONCACAF Nations League action. Not bad for a backup goalkeeper.
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2Jacob Shaffelburg, Canada/Nashville SC
Shaffelburg is flourishing under manager Jesse Marsch. At Copa America, he notched a goal and an assist during their incredible semifinal run, and forced himself into the starting XI after starting their first two matches on the bench. In six total appearances during the competition, he was one of their most lively players, and he continued that form into this September window for Les Rouges.
In an international friendly against the USMNT on Saturday, Shaffelburg logged 67 minutes against the U.S., scoring a brilliant opening goal in a historic 2-1 victory.
He had just one shot on target, but took it clinically, finishing in sublime fashion.
AFP
3Luis Suarez, Uruguay/Inter Miami
Suarez has officially played his final match for Uruguay. The 37-year-old logged 90 minutes Friday evening in a 0-0 draw with Paraguay in CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying. The former Barcelona and Liverpool ace represented La Celeste 143 times, banging in 69 goals over 18 years.
Ahead of the match, he was honored by his country, and after the final whistle, was applauded by all in attendance for his service to La Celeste for nearly two decades.
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“After a few days I can finally write to thank you for the BEAUTIFUL moment I experienced on Friday, unique and special to be able to experience it with my family. It was the best farewell I could have had, surrounded by my loved ones, those who saw me grow up and those who really knew LUIS as a human being. Thank you to all the Uruguayan people for their LOVE. I am no longer a Uruguay player but I will ALWAYS be a FAN,” the Inter Miami superstar wrote on social media Monday morning.
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AFP
4David Ruiz, Honduras & Inter Miami
Ruiz, 20, is really coming into his own with Honduras. He bagged two goals in two matches for los Catrachos as they earned three out of a possible six points in CONCACAF Nations League action.
Things began on a high note this window for the Central America nation, when they defeated Trinidad and Tobago 4-0, with Ruiz scoring their fourth strike in the thrilling victory.
Honduras followed it up with a clash against Jamaica Tuesday evening, but the Reggae Boyz came out on top 2-1. However, Ruiz scored once again for los Catrachos, capping off an impressive international break for the 20-year-old from Inter Miami.