Football
ESPN staff 9y

Michael Bradley to skip U.S. friendly to play for Toronto FC

Michael Bradley will miss the United States' upcoming friendly against Peru to remain with his club Toronto FC.

The midfielder confirmed on Friday that he will miss the Sept. 4 friendly, but could return to play against Brazil four days later.

"I'll be with Toronto FC in Seattle," Bradley told reporters. "There was some discussions between everyone at U.S. Soccer and everyone at Toronto FC, going back a few months to when we played those friendlies in June.

"There was agreement that for this game in Seattle that I'd be able to stay with Toronto FC and then afterwards, if Jurgen would like, then I'll join up with the team in Boston for the game against Brazil."

Toronto FC are scheduled to play the Seattle Sounders on Sept. 5 in a matchup of two of MLS' most underperforming teams.

Despite having the league's highest payroll, Toronto has endured a difficult summer, with just 3 wins in their last 10 games -- and those coming against Orlando City and Philadelphia Union, both among the league's worst teams.

Toronto FC are in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, six points ahead of NYCFC for the final playoff spot with two games in hand as they try to reach the postseason for the first time in the club's history.

Bradley has already missed seven Toronto FC games while with the national team, including four because of the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

Earlier this month, Toronto coach Greg Vanney suggested Jozy Altidore could also stay with the club in September.

The striker was sent home after the group stage of the Gold Cup after a string of disappointing performances.

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